




















uoyjma 

utvi{ 4 ']Oi]qT'^ r 

J//S&? *Z 


*40 /tintsjf 


utViflJOX 




4 M t y 


/trw@ 


,\\ajnq 


)J!£ U 


usjrunoPUjf ^ 


/ 4 //y;.w///Jr j 
/.».*v//////l 


yruvjr 




p'A.ouun^f 

UiWimxtff 


» "-'X l\ P 2 ^}J\ 

u«tuji.> K 7 ^ ' 

X 'M W//«w^ 




Jlirvj ucrzum?jtf\\j 
uo puvMortmjV 


f.irtoj i/j/imvr 


!Js'UD 2 U*?J£ 




<hioq?ipr}Jt 




'amp*v”<r\ 


UMO (n *. fj 


./MiUO 


’OUOi 


/FKv/j/ t 

.y/c/.v/y,/, / a 


* 1 V£f 

UMjpUirjf 


,/✓//* 1.1 


^?V’SV<///Xz 


yjnsujjjjuji 


—- 


































































































ARMS OF HENRY STAFFORD, EARL OF WILTSHIRE, K.G. 

WHO DIHD 1523. 

CARVED ON TWO BLOCKS OF FREESTONE, FOUND IN THE RACKFIELD, 

MAY lbl9. 






























































MEMORIALS 


mi 

OF 

BARNSTAPLE; 

l 

BEING AN ATTEMPT TO SUPPLY THE WANT OF 

A HISTORY 

\ 

J \ 

* * 

OF THAT ANOINT BOROUGH. 


By JOSEPH BESLY GRIBBLE. 


THE HISTORY OF A TOWN IS UNITED WITH THAT OF THE KINGDOM 
TO WHICH IT BELONGS, ANI> WITH THAT OF THE AGES THROUGH 
WHICH IT HAS STOOD. , ,, TOULMIN. 


BARNSTAPLE : 

PRINTED AT THE NORTH DEVON JOURNAL OFFICE, 

BY J. AVERY, 

1830 , 

L - 

















% 
















§ 



\ 






/ * 














ft 


V 




& 


4 


t u 

4 «. 

- < 4 

( 


t* « 

« « 
« ( 
0 '< 


4 
t S 
4 < 

1 < * 


t C C t f C 4 

. < 4 < 4 

* C C 4 < C < 
4 C < C t 


4 

4 

I 

4 


( 4 4 ( (( ( ((( 


< ' < C < f < < < ,.< < c « < < .4 

» ( 4 » f 

« <• < < i t 1 C 





















■:A 


( 4-4 


* * C < « f 4 / 4 


< < 4 < 


C . 4 


4 * t 4 ' «• 
« C 4 

4 4 ( 




<<< > % < t t 

4 C « • 

( < < C 4 < 

C t 4 *• 

C 4 4 | < * 


<% 

< c ‘ * 

iv 


X # 



















































r 



PREFATORY ADDRESS. 


“ Albeit unused to tread historic ground although 
but a mere intruder into the ranks of literature ; I have 
ventured to stand forward, as the memorialist of the 
place, where, some forty years ago, “I first drew 
vital air.” 

Whilst Towns of minor importance, and cotnpari- 
tively of no antiquity, have had their “ histories ” sent 
forth to tlie world ; that a place distinguished above 
most others in the extensive county in which it is 
situate—a walled town in the days of the Saxons ; one 
of the most ancient boroughs in the kingdom ; a naval 
port in the reign of Edward the third, and represented 
as such in a regal council held by that monarch at 
Westminster ; furnishing on several occasions ships for 
the navy of Queen Elizabeth, but particularly in aid of 
the renowned Drake against the Spanish armada; a 
garrison town in the revolution of 1642 , and taking a 
prominent part in the events of that period; in former 
years, as at present, the metropolis of the North of 
Devon l That Barnstaple, thus distinguished, should 



IV. 


PREFATORY ADDRESS. 


have so long remained without any public record of the 
principal events of its history, is to be lamented ; inas¬ 
much as many valuable relics of days long past have 
doubtless been lost beyond recovery. It may also be 
charged as a reproach on many of her sons, whose 
talents and resources well fitted them for the execution 
of such a work. Only one attempt, that I am aware 
of, has ever been made towards the accomplishment of 
this object; and that, as will be seen, was defeated by 
the death of the individual who had engaged in it. 

It is more than probable, that could I in the first 
instance have viewed this undertaking in all its bearings, 
with its attendant difficulties, labour, anxiety, and ex¬ 
pense, I should have shrunk from the task, and never 
have commenced it at all ; but before I could thus con¬ 
template it, 1 had advanced so far as to be unable to 
make good a retreat. The origin of this work may be 
thus shortly traced. 

In December, 1826, an official document, relative to 
the insecure state and inefficient government of the 
town prison, was put into my hands, with a request 
that I would embody the information it contained, in 
a Letter to the Editor of the North Devon Journal; 
I complied; the letter was inserted, and a second 
followed. 

The question between the Corporation and the Inha¬ 
bitants, as to the liability of the respective parties to 
rebuild the prison, now excited a very lively interest, 
and of course, a corresponding spirit of inquiry. Docu¬ 
ments, which might haply throw light on the subject, 
were eagerly sought after, and many valuable records 


PREFATORY ADDRESS. 


V. 


were, in consequence, brought under review, which 
might otherwise never have emerged from the obscurity 
to which they had been consigned. 

Some of these, with the Commissioners’ report of 
the public charities of Barnstaple, it was proposed to 
publish. Scarcely, however, was the design made 
known, than a more extended work, which should em¬ 
brace a History of the Town, was eagerly called for, 
and numerous offers made of materials, in aid of such 
an undertaking: the result was, that the original plan 
became again and again enlarged ; until at length, from 
the quantity and variety of matter on hand, it was found 
that Memorials of Barnstaple, instead of being com¬ 
prised in a pamphlet, as at first intended, could not 
possibly be done justice to, in any thing short of an 
octavo volume. Thus was I led on, step by step, until 
it was impracticable to recede with credit, or without 
subjecting myself to considerable pecuniary loss. 

Let it not then be supposed, that either vanity, or a 
longing after the sweets of authorship, was the spring 
that first set this work in motion ; on the contrary, 
should the smallest portion of amusement or information 
be communicated to the reader through the medium of 
the following pages, he is desired to bear in mind, that 
he owes it to the accidental circumstance of the author’s 
having been solicited to lend his aid in the discussion 
of the prison question ; but for which, the “Memorials” 
would, in all human probability, have never been pre¬ 
sented to the public. 

It will be expected that I should assign some reason 
why the publication of this work has been so long 


prefatory address. 


vh 

delayed; and also, why a part of it only now appears. 
Various adverse circumstances have contributed to the 
delay. By an ordinance of unerring wisdom, “ Man 
is born to trouble ; ” and by a providential exercise of 
this decree, it has been my lot, since I commenced this 
undertaking, to experience the mutations of fortune to 
an extent that has deprived me of all I possessed, save a 
good reputation. Thus situated, and the subject withal 
of acute feelings, it will not be thought surprising that 
1 for a time abandoned the prosecution of a work like 
the present. 

Another great hinderance to its progress, arose from 
the length of time (more than twelve months) which was 
occupied in procuring a copy and translation of one of 
the charters of the borough, from His Majesty^s record 
office. I ought rather perhaps, to impute the delay to 
the refusal of the Corporation to permit a copy of the 
document to be furnished to me at home, by which I 
was driven to obtain it from the Tower, and that at an 
expense exceeding twenty pounds—but of this more 
anon ! Altogether, the delay has been considerable, 
yet it has proved on the whole advantageous ; much 
additional information , and many curious 'particu¬ 
lars have been obtained during the interval, and 
interwoven with the work, which must otherwise have 
been wholly excluded from it. 

The plan of publishing the accompanying portion 
of the work, rather than the patience of the subscribers 
should be longer trespassed upon, has met with the 
sanction of those to whom it has been mentioned ; and 
it is hoped will give satisfaction generally. The charter, 


PREFATORY ADDRESS. 


Vll. 


which has been so long waited for, being now in my 
own keeping, the remainder of the volume will pro¬ 
ceed regularly, and with all practicable speed.—It may 
be looked for in about four months from this time. 

In announcing that Memorials of Barnstaple can 
not possibly be completed within the limits assigned 
for them, viz. three hundred pages, I trust I shall not 
be hastily censured ; feeling as I do an entire confi¬ 
dence, that I shall be fully exonerated from blame by 
all who will kindly give the subject their candid and 
patient consideration. To fix the precise extent of a 
work of this nature, even when the necessary materials 
are brought together, is no easy task ; but in the present 
instance, after this had been decided on, (as was thought 
finally,) a considerable addition of important and inter¬ 
esting matter came to my hands. I could not possibly 
have anticipated the possession of this ; but having ob¬ 
tained it, I should have been guilty, if I may so speak, 
of a literary misdemeanour, not to have turned it to 
account. Independent, however, of an accession of 
materials, l found it requisite to treat some subjects 
more copiously than I at first intended. The Charities, 
for instance: on attentively perusing the Commission¬ 
ers’ Report, which it was at first proposed to give 
without comment, the information it afforded, although 
truly valuable, appeared so incomplete, as to render 
some further elucidation of the subject really necessary. 
The “Appendix ” to the report (which was attended 
with no trifling labour,) certainly adds to the bulk of 
the volume ; but surely no one of my subscribers who 
takes—and w ho does not take ?—an interest in the wel- 


PREFATORY ADDRESS. 


viii. 

fare of the legitimate objects of the various benevolent 
institutions to which it relates, and whose benefit it is 
designed to promote, would wish the supplementary 
matter excluded. 

It will be seen in the present publication, that I have 
expressed my sentiments with freedom : I shall fear¬ 
lessly pursue the same course to the end of the volume. 
He who appears in the character of an historian, will 
often find it needful to assume that of a censor also, * 
however repugnant to his inclination, and even if con¬ 
trary to his interest. From this he will not, if he acts 
from principle, swerve through the influence of “ fear, 
favour, or affection.” But he will not, on the other 
hand, allow himself to indulge any unhallowed feeling 
which may prompt him to forget, that it is not his 
province to war with men, but with measures, and 
with such measures only, as appear to be legitimate sub¬ 
jects for reprehension. Such a standard, it is equally 
my wish, as it has been my endeavour to act up to ; 

“ Rather extenuating, than setting down aught in 
“ malice.” *j* 

* Such a course cannot (at least to a man possessed of generous 
feelings) but be repulsive, under ordinary circumstances; how much 
more so then, where a writer is a resident of the town of which he 
essays to give the History ; and in the habit of frequent intercourse 
with persons, of whose conduct as public men (whilst he regards 
them with sincere respect as individual members of society) he can¬ 
not, as a faithful historian, always speak in terms of commendation. 

t “ Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice.”— 

Shakespeare, 


PREFATORY ADDRESS. 


IX 


The subscribers will be desirous of knowing what 
the remainder of the volume is to contain. Indepen¬ 
dent of what may be termed common-place articles in 
a work like this—a chronological list of occurrences— 
modern state of the town—trade—public edifices and 
institutions—population, See., &c., will be found many 
possessing an unusual degree of interest, among which 
may be noticed the following :—An account of the 
proceedings of the public Authorities of Barnstaple 
during the Rebellion in the reign of Charles the first, 
including the minutes of meetings held to provide for 
the defence of the town., and a minute detail of ex¬ 
penses incurred in various warlike operations.—Curious 
document relative to the bridge, 1535—full translations 
of some, and extracts from other of the numerous char¬ 
ters* granted to the borough—an abstract of the Bye¬ 
laws of the Corporation—List of Mayors from 1304, 
and of Members of Parliament from the twenty third 
of Edward the first—Transcripts of the several Inqui¬ 
sitions relative to the customs and privileges of the 
Borough, made in the reign of Edward the third, and 
of a similar document of a still earlier date. 

Of the execution of the work 1 hold myself incompe¬ 
tent to form a correct judgment, still less am I qualified 
to give an opinion on the subject; but as it respects 
the matter on which what is now published, and that 

* No apprehension need be entertained that these will prove 
“ a long detail of dry and uninteresting matter the early charters 
are all of them very short; the only one of any length, which will 
be given in full, is comparatively modern, and will be found to pos* 
sess a good deal of interest. 


X. 


PREFATORY ADDRESS. 


which is to succeed it, are founded, I may, and can, 
with the utmost confidence, assure those who may do 
me the honour to place part the first of Memorials of 
Barnstaple on their book-shelves, that part the second 
will be found to exceed it in interest. 

My humble work will perhaps be read by some who 
can look back on the time when, as authors, they first 
placed themselves at the bar of public opinion ; they 
will be able to judge correctly of the feelings of which 
I am the subject on the present occasion. 

I have, however, enlisted, and must now make, at 
least, one campaign in the Field of Literature, before 
I can seek a discharge ; whether it shall prove success- 
ful or unfortunate,—^whether 1 shall come off with 
whole, or tattered colours,—is, at best, doubtful. My 
work is before the public ; they will be the judges of 
its merits, and the arbiters of its fate; to their decision 
1 must submit, and will therefore await it, “ with what 
philosophy I may.” 



Barum , March , 1830. 


SUBSCRIBERS. 


His Grace the Duke of Bedford. 

The Right Hon. Earl Fortescue, Lord Lieutenant of the County 
of Devon, and High Steward of Barnstaple. 

The Right Hon. Lord Viscount Ebrington, m.p. 

The Right Hon. Lord Clinton. 

The Honorable George Fortescue. 

The Honorable and Reverend John Fortescue. 

Sir Bourchier Palk Wrey, Bart. High Sheriff of the County 
of Devon, 4 copies. 

Sir George Warwick Bampfylde, Bart. Colonel Commandant of 
the North Devon Regiment of Militia. 

Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, Bart. m.p. 

Stephen Lyne Stephens, Esq. m. p. for Barnstaple, 2 copies. 
George Tudor, Esq. m.p. for Barnstaple, 2 copies. 

Acland, T. P. Esq. Barnstaple. Baker, Mr. John Barnstaple. 
Adderly, Mrs. Bideford. Baker, Mr. John ,, 

Alexander, Henry Esq. late m. p. Barry, Mr. John „ 

for Barnstaple, 5 copies. Bayley, John Esq. f.r.s., f.s.a., 

Arnold, Mr. Robert Barnstaple. m.r.i.a., His Majesty’s Re- 
Arter, Mr. William „ cord Office, Tower. 

Aveline, Rev. George Bencraft, S. Esq. Barnstaple. 

Avery, Mr. William Barnstaple . Berry, Francis, Esq. „ 
Baker, Mrs. „ Berry, Mr. William Guernsey. 

Baker, Mr. William „ Besly, Rev. H. Ilfracombe. 

Baker, Mr. Frances „ Besley, Mr. John Barnstaple. 



XU. 


SUBSCRIBERS 


Biakemore, Mr. J. Birmingham. 
Blackwell, Mr. Stonehouse, 
Bowen, Mr. John Barnstaple. 
Bremridge, Philip Esq. Rusthall. 
Bremridge, R. Esq. Barnstaple. 
Bremridge, S. Esq. „ 

Bremridge, Mr. James London. 
Britton, S. G. m.d. JSeuport. 
Bryan, Rev. J. Barnstaple. 
Brooke, Mr. William Exeter. 
Brown, Miss Pilton. 

Buck, Rev. Joseph Wiveliscombe. 
Budd, Robert Esq. Barnstaple. 
Btirnard, T. Esq. Bideford. 
Biirlton, Mr. Bristol. 

Carter, C. Esq. Barnstaple. 

Cartwright, Mr. Tawstock. 
Chalacombe, Miss Barnstaple. 

Chappell, Mr. Roger London. 
Chichester, Miss Barnstaple. 

Chichester, John Palmer Bruce 
Esq. High Sheriff of Cardi¬ 
ganshire Arlington Court. 
Chichester, Robert Esq. Hall. 
Clarke, Miss Chudleigh. 

Clay, Mrs. Barnstaple . 

Colmer, Mr. George Bideford. 
Coles, Mr. John London. 

Cornish, Mr. T. Barnstaple. 
Corrick, Mr. Bristol. 

Cotton, Mr. John Barnstaple. 
Cotton, Mr. Gilbert „ 

Cotton, Mr. William ,, 

Cotton, Mr. Samuel „ 

Cross, Mrs. Bristol. 

Culliford, Mrs. Barnstaple. 
Curtis, Mr. W. »» 


Cutcliffe, C. Esq. Barnstaple . 
Davidson, Geo. Esq. Axminster. 
Davie, Rev. Charles Heanton. 
Davie, Mr. Edward Newport. 
Davis, Mr. William Barnstaple. 
Deane, J. W. Esq. London. 
Dennis, J. Esq. jun. Appledore. 
Dennis, Mr, James Barnstaple. 
Dicker, Mrs. „ 

Drake, Z. H. Esq. Springfield. 
Drake, Robert Esq. Newport. 
Drake, Miss Barnstaple. 

Eastman, James Esq. Tordown. 
Evans, Mr. Joseph Barnstaple. 
Furser, Mrs. Pilton # 

Finch, Mr. Henry Barnstaple. 
Gamble, Rev. Henry Newport. 
Gardiner, Rev. H. W. „ 
Gibbs, Mr. Henry Barnstaple. 
Gillard, Mr. Humphry „ 
Glass,Nicholas Esq,Comptroller 
of Customs. 

Glass, Mrs. N. G. London, 

2 copies. 

Glass, Mr. John „ 

Glass, Mr. Thomas „ 
Goman, Mr. William Pilton. 
Grace, R. W. Esq. Barnstaple. 
Gregory, Mr. R. jun. „ 
Gribble, John Esq. „ 
Gribble, C. B. Esq. late. 

Gribble, Thomas Esq. London , 

4 copies. 

Gribble, W. Esq. Barnstaple. 
Gribble, Mr. H.I. 

Gribble, Rev. C. Fop sham, 

Gribble, Mrs. E. Keswell. 


SUBSCRIBERS. 


XIII. 


Gribblo, Mr. R. Bank of England. 
Halls, Mr. T. Barnstaple. 
Hamlyn, Robert Esq, Bideford. 
Hammett, James Esq. Bath. 
Hancock, Mr, J. Barnstaple. 
Harding, Thomas Esq. late. 
Harding, T. W . Esq. Upcott. 
Harding, Mr. John Barnstaple. 
Harding, Mr. Philip „ 
Harding, Robert Esq. „ 
Harris, Mr. George „ 

Harris, Mr. Michael „ 

Harris, Mr. John „ 

Hawes, Mrs. Wimborne. 

Hawkins, K. H. E^.Torrington, 
2 copies. 

Heddon, Miss Barnstaple . 

Heal, Mr. W. London. 

Hodgson, F. Esq. late m. p. for 
Barnstaple, 5 copies. 

Hogg, Thomas Esq. Appledore, 
2 copies. 

Honeychurch, Mr. T. London. 
Hooper, Mr. John „ 

Hooper, Mr. Joseph „ 

Hopkins, Mrs. Barnstaple. 
Huish, Mr. Landkey. 

Hnnt, Mr. J. W. Barnstaple. 
Huxtable, Mr. A. „ 

Incledon, R. N. Esq. Recorder of 
Barnstaple. 

Instan, Charles Esq. Collector of 
Excise. 

Johnson, Mr. G. Barnstaple. 
Jones, Rev. J. P. North Bovey . 
Kent, Rev. B. Barnstaple. 
Kingson, Mr. William London . 


Law, John Esq. Barnstaple. 
Law, William Esq. ,, 

Lean, John Esq. Wiveliscombe. 
Leigh, Mr. Charles Barnstaple. 
Lewis, Mr. Thomas „ 

Liunington, Mr. S. „ 

Lowe, Mrs. ,, 

Lovering, Mr. W. ,, 

Luxmoore, Rev. H.m.a. „ 
Mackrell, Mr. John ,, 

Marsh, James Esq. ,, 

Marshall, John Esq. ,, 

Marshall, Miss „ 

May, John Esq. „ . 

May, Mr. John Croyde. 

Metherell, R. Esq. Barnstaple. 
Miller, John Esq. „ 

Morgan, J. G. m. d. 

Mortimer, Mrs. Newport • 

Moule, Mr. John Barnstaple. 
Nicholets, J. Esq. S. Petherton. 
Nicholls, Mr. London. 

Nicholls, Win. and Co. Messrs. 

Barnstaple. 

Northcote, Mr. G. „ 

Owen, Thomas Esq. ,, 
Parminter, Mr. J. B. „ 
Parminter, Miss A la ronde. 
Partridge, John Esq. Woodtown . 
Passmore, Mr. Braunton. 
Patch, — Esq- Launceston . 
Pawle, Mr. John London. 
Prance, W. Esq. Plymouth. 
Pyke, John Esq. Barnstaple. 
Pugsley, Mr. T. NewionTracey. 
Randall, Mr. J. Barnstaple, 
2 copies. 




XIV. 


SUBSCRIBERS. 


Reed, Mr. London. 

Reed, Charles Esq. Bristol. 
Rennels, Mr. W. Barnstaple. 
Rice, Mr. Robert ,, 

Richardson, Capt. Newport. 
Roberts, John Esq. late. 

Roberts, Rev. J. R. a. m. Rector 
of Rotherficld Grays, Oxford. 
Roberts, E. R. Esq. Collector of 
Customs. 

Roberts, C. Esq. Barnstaple. 
Rock, Mr. J. Birmingham. 

Rodd, Mr. H. Barnstaple. 

Rook, Mrs. „ 

Rook, Lewis Esq. Newport. 

Rooker, Rev. Samuel Bideford. 
Saunders, Mr. E. L. Barnstaple. 
Searle, Mr. „ 

Shapcott, Mr. A. „ 

Sharland, Miss „ 

Skinner, Mr. London. 

Snow, Mr. W. Barnstaple. 
Spurway, Rev. W. „ 

Stribling, Mr. W. ,, 

Strong, Mr. W. Bookseller, 

Exeter and Bristol . 
Symonds,Mr. Henry Barnstaple. 


'Tamlyn, John Esq. London. 

Taprell, Mrs. Bristol. 

Thorne, Richard Esq. Pilton. 

Thorne, George Esq. Bristol. 

Thorne, Thomas Esq. „ 


Thorne, John Esq. Newport. 
Thorne, Mr. W. Barnstaple , 
2 copies. 

Thorne, Mr. W. H. 

Thorne, Mr. John ,, 

Thorne, Mr. Landkey . 

Toller, Richard Esq. late. 
Toller, W. Esq. Barnstaple. 
Trix, Mr. James „ 

Tucker, Mr. E. „ 

Turner, Mr. Joshua „ 

Turner, Mr. William „ 

Vellacott, Mr. Georgeham . 

Vicary,-Esq. Torrington. 

Wavel, William m. d. late. 
Webber, General Buckland. 
Westbrook, R. Esq. Barnstaple. 
Whitchurch, Mr. S. Devizes. 

Whitchurch, Mr. C. Bristol. 

Whitchurch, Mr. T. London . 

Wildman, Mrs. Barnstaple. 
Wilkins, Mr. T, „ 

Wilkinson, Mr. J. jun. „ 

Wickey, Admiral „ 

Willis, Miss ,, 

Wills, Mr. Joseph „ 

Wills, Mr. H.O. Bristol. 
Woollacot, Mr. Barnstaple. 
Wren, Robert Esq. Bideford. 
Wren, Mrs. Apple (lore. 

Wroy, Rev. B. W. Tamtock. 
Young, Mr. W. Barnstaple. 


CONTENTS. 


Chaffer I.—Derivation of Name—Situation—Soil—Ancient His¬ 
tory-Descent of the Castle Mauor—Barnstaple Castle—Priory 
of St. Mary Magdalen—Manor of Hogg’s Fee—Old Town— 
Chapels and Chauntries—Appendix.1 to 86 

Chapter II .—Public Charities of Barnstaple .—Penrose’s or 
Litchdon Almshouse; Penrose’s Gift, Beaple’s Gift, Palmer’s 
Gift, Harris’s Gift, Rolle’s Gift, Stanbury’s Gift—Horwood’s 
Almshouse—Paige’s Almshouse ; Canford’s Gift, Appley’s Gift, 
Paige’s Gift—Harris’s Almshouse—Beaple’s Gift—Skinner's 
Gift—Cornish's Gift—Jeffery’s Gift—Delbridge’s Gift—Olivean’s 
Gift—Mayne’s Gift—Monies given to be lent—Appley’s Gift— 
Lugg’s Gift—Richard Ferris, Senior’s, Gift—Sir John Acland’s 
Gift—Horsham’s Gift—Webber’s Gift—Westlake’s Gift—Baron’s 
Gift—Richard Ferris’s Gift—Phillips’s Gift—Drake’s Gift—Tip- 
petts’s Gift—Cordwainer’s Lands—Grammar School; Ferris’s 
Gift, Wright’s Gift—Charity School—Alice Horvvood’s Schoo] 
for Girls—Newcommen’s Gift—Martin’s Gift—Stanbury’s Gift 
for Reading Prayers- -Appendix.87 to 194. 

Chapter 1JI.—-.Antiquity of the Mayoralty of Barnstaple—Ancient 
Government of the Town—Representative History of the Bo¬ 
rough—Number, Qualification, and Privileges of Burgesses— 
Charters—Origin and Intent of Corporations—Municipal Body 
of Barnstaple—Appendix.195 to 429. 

Chapter IV.—Barnstaple a Naval Port in the Reign of Edward III 
—Vessels and Supplies furnished to Queen Elizabeth—Repri- 






XVI. 


CONTENTS. 


sal Ships- Ship Tax in the Reign of Charles I.—Civil 
War. .. 430 to 469. 

Chapter V.— Present State of the Town—Population—Poor’s 
Rate—Archdeaconry, Deanery, and Vicarage—Chnrch—Inde¬ 
pendent or Congregational Dissenters—Methodists—Baptists— 
Quakers—Sunday Schools—Grammar School—Appendix. 

470 to 640. 

Chapter VI.—Manufactures and Commerce—Markets and Fairs 
—Banking Houses—Rivers and Quays—Queen Anne’s Walk— 
Bridges—Infirmary—Guildhall—Prison and Bridewell—Theatre 
—Assembly Rooms—Freemasons—Mechanics’ Institute—Annu¬ 
itant Societies—Benefit Clubs—Friendly Institution and Savings’ 
Bank-Roads and Walks—Water Works—Inns, Coaches, Wag¬ 
gons, and Vans—Post Office—Appendix. . . . 541 to 614. 

Chapter VII.—Chronological Record of Events relative to Barn, 
staple .615 to 640. 




MEMORIALS OF BARNSTAPLE, 

C^C. <$* C . 


CHAPTER I. 

Derivation of Name — Situation — Soil— Ancient History — 
Descent of the Castle Manor—Barnstaple Castle—Priory 
of St. Mary Magdalen — Manor of Hogg’s Pee — Old 
Town—Chapels and Chauntries — Appendix. 


Barnstaple, or Barum*, like most ancient towns, has, 
during the lapse of ages, and a succession of rulers, 

* Barnstaple is so well known by inis appellation, that a lettor 
sent from any part of England directed to Barum, would reach its 
destination. 1 am unable to say more in explanation of the term, 
than that it is taken as the Latin for Barnstaple. Query —Why 
not the Roman name of the town ? Its not having been so recorded, 
is no positive evidence against the hypothesis. Yarum, the ancient 
name of Yare, iri Yorkshire, is not in the Roman Itinerary. 

Since the above was penned, a clergyman residing near Salisbury, 
has kindly furnished me with the various etymologies of Sarum ; 
none of them however, throw (as I had hoped they might) any light 
on the origin of the term we have been discussing. The gentleman 


B 







2 


been variously named. Leland says, “ the olde name 
<c of the towne was in the Britaine Tunge Abertawe, 
“ by cause it stood toward the mouth of Tawe Ryver.” 
This the Saxons changed to Berdenestaple ; corrupted, 
as Leland supposes, from Abernesse, with the addition of 
staple, for a market. It may be found in the following 
public documents, designated thus :—- 

In Domesday Book, Barnestaple;—Exon Domesday, 
Bardestaple, Barnestable ; — Records in the Tower, 
reign of Edward the First, Berdstaple; — Edward 
the Third, Barnastaple, Barnestapel, Berdstapel; — 
Richard the Second, Barnastaple;—Henry the Eighth, 
Barnestapoll, alias Barstaple. Leland writes itBerstaple; 
—Risdon and Prince, Barnstaple. 

SITUATION. 

Barnstaple stands on the North Bank of the River 
Taw*, in the Deanery to which it gives name, and in 
the Hundred of Braunton, Devonshiret. It occupies 

referred to suggests the following as the derivation of Barum :— 
“ Johnson derives the word Barren, from the Saxon, Bare. 
“ Whatever the country about Barnstaple may be now, it is easy 
“ to imagine that it once sufficiently answered to the meaning of 
“ barren, to make the term applicable to it as an etymology.” 

Another gentleman offers as a definition, “ Barum, Heb. B4r. 
“ either grain or open country; the market town, or town in the 
“ vale.” 

* From Tav, of the same signification as Tavy, Taivy, Teivi; a 
Water or River.— Chappie's Add. to Risdon. 

t Anciently called Devonia, Dommonia, Danmonia, Domnonia; 
and in Exon Domesday, Devcnescira, Devrescira. 


3 


a central position between the undermentioned towns 

4 


SOUTHMOLTON. 

Ilfracombe . 

Torrington . .. 

Bideford . 

Appledore , via Bide ford . e 
„ „ lnstow Ferry . 


Ill Miles. 

Hi „ 

10i „ 


It is situated in longitude 4° 4' w. 
distant from 


latitude 51° 12' n. ; 


London, via Taunton and Salisbury 

„ „ Bristol and Bath .... 

Bristol, via Taunton and Bridgewater 
„ „ *Simonsbath , Dunster , and ^ 

Bridgewater ... jj 
tt a Simonsbath, Dunster , Sjo-i 
gursey , Pawlet , and Cross $ 

Bath . 

Exeter, via Chunileigh and Crediton . 

„ ,, Southinolton and Chumleigh 


192i Miles 
217| „ 

„ 


80 „ 

96f „ 
37J „ 


Taunton .51 w 

Plymouth . ...... 57J „ 

Falmouth, via Oakhanipton and Launceston 100J „ 
„ „ Holsworthy and Launceston 95 „ 

Sif an sea , across the Channelfrom, Ilfracombe 35 „ 

Lin ton, (Valley of Rocks). 18 „ 

Clovelly .20 „ 


The distances of places not printed in italics, are copied 
from Mogg’s edition of Patterson’s roads. The remainder 
have also been procured from authentic sources. 


* Persons travelling on horseback, will find the ride over Exmoor 
a very pleasant one in summer. The spirited improvements made 













4 


1 cauuot belter describe the situation of the town, 
with itg surrounding scenery, than in the following 
language, borrowed from a modern tourist. I make 
the extract more readily, because it is from the pen of 
a stranger ; such a picture, if drawn by a native, might, 
perhaps, be thought too highly coloured:— 

66 As we approach Barnstaple, the view from some 
“ of the high grounds is very grand ; composed on 
64 one side of Barnstaple Bay, and on the other of an 
44 extensive vale, the Vale of Tawton, carrying the eye 
4f far and wide into its rich and ample bosom ; although 
44 it is one of those views which is too great a subject 
44 for painting. The approach to Barnstaple from the 
44 low grounds, is as beautiful as from the higher; the 
44 river, the bridge, the hills beyond it, and the estuary 
44 in the distance, make, altogether, a good landscape. 
44 The town itself, also situated about nine or ten miles 
44 from the sea, stands in a pleasant vale, shut in by 
44 hills, forming a semi-lunar cove around it. When 
44 the tides are high, it is almost insulated ; the flat 
44 grounds which lie immediately about it, make an 
44 agreeable contrast with the hills. Once these grounds 

by J. Knight, Esq. have quite changed the face of this extensive, and 
once barren waste. The first effect of this gentleman’s liberal 
outlay of capital, was an excellent road, extending throughout his 
allotment of the forest ; (as it is commonly termed, though scarcely 
a tree is to be found throughout the whole tract.) It is much to be 
regretted that Mr. Knight’s intention of making good the small 
portion of road that remains, should have been thwarted by the 
opposition of another proprietor. The worst of it is, however, 
passable in a carriage. There is a respectable inn at Simonsbatb, 
which is sixteen miles from Barnstaple, and fifteen from Dunster. 


“ were little better than marshes; but by proper 
draining, they are now become beautiful meadows* 
“ In a word, Barnstaple is the pleasantest town we 
“ have met ivith in the West of England”— 
Gilpin’s Observations on the Western parts of England, 


SOIL. 

The soil of Barnstaple consists chiefly of a stiff yellow 
clay*, intermixed with small pebbles, and extending 
from within two feet of the surface, to seven or eight 
feet in depth, where a stratum of beach is found, usually 
about four feet in thickness; after which comes a soft 
(shelfyt) rock. This has been excavated to the extent 
of forty feet, and found to be the same throughout. 
Water of an excellent quality is almost invariably met 
with near the top of this rock, so that wells are scarcely 
ever required to be sunk to a greater depth than from 
ten to fifteen feet. These several strata are in one place 
intersected by two veins of stone, each about twenty 
feet wide, and running parallel, fifteen or sixteen feet 
apart, in a southerly direction from Hardaway Head 
down to the river. One of these is a bastard limestone 
(Elvint), excessively hard ; the other is of a softer 
description, and contains mundic and spar. It is also 
accompanied by a blue clay (Flugent), which has been 
cut through to the depth of twenty feet, and contains 
springs of soft water. 

* The town and neighbourhood are supplied with bricks, made 
from this material. 

t So termed by miners. 


6 


ENQUIRY INTO THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE 
TOWN. 

Of the history of Barnstaple previous to the Norman 
conquest, little is known; there is, however, much to 
be said in favour of its pretensions to high antiquity. 

Tradition informs us that Athelstan, after driving the 
ancient inhabitants of Danmonia* beyond the Tamar, 
on his return from Cornwall, took up his abode in 
Barnstaple for a short time. We are told from the 
same source, that, finding the town walls in a decayed 
state, he caused them to be repaired, and subsequently 
built a castle here. 

The following remarks are offered on the foregoing 
statement, as being quite consistent with a desire to give 
it no more than its due weight in the scale of evidence. 

First , then, we are not called upon in receiving this 
account as true, to believe a mystery. Tradition, which 
so delights in romance, here states nothing but what is 
likely to have occurred in the ordinary course of things. 
What more probable, than that Athelstan, after having 
expelled his troublesome foes, the Britons, from the 
North of Devon, should take measures to secure the 
district from invasion and plunder, which he might 
justly fear, both from the enemies he had just expelled, 

* Devon and Cornwall, until the days of King Athelstan, did, 
from the beginning, continue one province, under the common name 
of Danmonia. Athelstan, coming with a mighty army, after sundry 
conflicts, at length drives the Brittains over the Tamar into 
Cornwall; upon which the inhabitants of these two provinces at 
first obtained the distinction of the Eastern and Western Danmonii. 
— Prince's Worthies of Devon—Introd. 


7 


and also from the Danes, both of whom had, by turns, 
infested and ravaged this part of Wessex* ? 

Secondly , —Barnstaple was exactly suited for the 
establishment of a military station, both as to its local 
situation, and the facilities it possessed for being easily 
fortified ; even supposing it not to have been theu 
walled. If we believe, as with good reason we may, 
that the Monarch visited the town at this period, 
we cannot refuse our assent to the remainder of the 
tradition +. 

* One of the seven kingdoms of the Saxon heptarchy. It 
comprehended the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, 
Wilts, Hants, and Berks. Was founded A. d. 529, and finally 
swallowed up all the other states, which were united in 827 into 
one monarchy. 

t The circumstance of Athelstan's having certainly frequented 
the neighbourhood of Barnstaple, must not be overlooked; it affords 
fair presumptive evidence in favour of the tradition. Risdon tells 
us that he had a palace at Umberleigh* ; that he founded a church 
at Atherington, which he endowed with two hides of land; and 
another, similarly endowed, at High Bickington. Of the latter, he 
says ,—“ The church of Bickington was founded by King Athelstane, 
“ who gave to God and it one hide of land, as appeareth by the 
“ donation, a copy whereof, for the antiquity thereof, I here insert. 
“ ‘ Iclie Athelstane King, Grome of this home, geve and graunt to 
“ 4 the preist of this Chirch, one Yoke of mye Land frelith to holde, 
“ » wood in my holtf House to buyld, bitt grass for all hys beasts, 
“ 4 fuel for hys Hearth, pannage J for hys sowe and piggs, world 
“ ‘ without End.” * 

* In the parish of Atherington, about six miles from Barnstaple, and three 
from High Bickington. The house bears evident marks of great antiquity. 

f Saxou terra for a wood. 

X The feeding of swine upon mast in the woods ; also, the money paid for 
such a license.— Bailey. 


8 


Lastly ,— If there be no direct evidence in favour of 
the presumption that King Athelstan founded the castle, 
there is certainly none against it. Except this Monarch, 
the work has only been attributed to Judhael de Totnes, 
who is said by some to have built, by others to have 
rebuilt, and by others to have repaired and beautified 
the edifice. That he should have improved and made 
additions to the castle, on being presented with the 
Manor by his Royal Master, is probable enough; but 
there does not appear to be any ground for believing 
that it owed its origin to Judhael de Totnes. 

The privileges with which Athelstan is said to have 
endowed Barnstaple, will come under our consideration 
in another part of this work. 

DOMESDAY. 

That interesting and important national register, 
Domesday Book*, contains several articles relating to 
Barnstaple, and those persons who had possessions 


*An ancient and most valuable record, made by order of William 
the Conqueror ; and containing a register, from which judgment was 
to be given upon the value, tenure, and services of all lands in England, 
except the counties of Durham, Cumberland, Northumberland, and 
Westmoreland, which were not included in the survey. The title 
by which this book is known, is of very uncertain origin. The vulgar 
notion that it takes its name from Doomsday, as being unerring and 
final in its decisions, is unworthy of being adopted. A more probable 
supposition is, that which Stow refers to in the Book of Bermondsey* 
where it is said to have been laid up in the King’s Treasury, in a 
place called Domus Dei, whence the corruption of Domesday. — 
Ency. Metropol. 


9 


therein, in the reign of William the Conqueror.— 
Transcripts of these, with a translation, will be found 
in the Appendix [a] to this chapter. Both having 
been procured from the Keeper of His Majesty's 
Records, their correctness may be relied on. Extracts 
are also given from “ Exon Domesday." The curious 
but authentic picture which Domesday Book presents 
of the degrading state of vassalage in which the 
great body of our progenitors wore out their existence, 
cannot but render it interesting to all who feel the value 
of the privileges, which, as Englishmen, they now 
enjoy*. 

We must now treat of Barnstaple, as forming three 
distinct properties;—the Castle Manor, comprising the 
ancient Burgh or Town within the Walls ;—the Fee of 
Magdalene, or Priory of Saint Mary Magdalene ;—and 
the Manor of Hog's Fee. The two former, if not 
the latter (which had probably only a Court Baron), 
exercised separate jurisdictions, down to the reign of 
James the First. 

* During one period of the feudal system, a vassal, though he 
might be a person of some rank, could not marry without the consent 
of his Lord, and that permission he was often obliged to purchase. 
His .'uperior might compel him to marry whom he pleased, or invest 
with a similar power any one to whom he chose to sell it. When a 
tenant died, his heir became the Lord’s ward ; during his minority 
he was exposed to insult and oppression, and when he became of 
an age to claim his property, he was made to pay whatever sum 
might be demanded of him, before he could obtain it. It was not 
until the thirty-second of Henry the Eighth, that any man could 
devise his own property; previous to this time, the privilege was 
confined to a few cities and boroughs only. 

c 


10 


THE CASTLE MANOR. 

This Manor was granted by William the Conqueror, 
soon after his accession, to one of his favourites, 
the Conqueror.} JUDHAEL I>E ToTNES, a distinguished 
Norman, son of Alured, Earl of Brittany. Judhael 
retained the barony during the life of his Royal Patron, 
but was dispossessed of it by his successor, and banished 
the kingdom. He had no doubt taken a part in the 
revolt from William Rufus, in which so many of the 
Norman barons engaged ; and as the penalty of which 
they paid the forfeiture of their newly-acquired honors. 

108 Rufus! iara } William Rufus kept the Manor in his 
own hands during his reign ; as did also 
ll the Firs" 17 } ^ ENRY THE Fi r st ; from whom it passed 
as crown property to 

] 135, Stephen £ STEPHEN ; wllO bestowed it Oil 

Henry de Tracy, by whom it was enjoyed during 
that King’s reign; but on the accession of Henry 
the Second, the property* was divided, a purparty 
tile ^Second! } being given to William de Broase, great 
grandson of Judhael de Totnes; in which state it 
ll the First ard } remained until the seventh year of Richard 
the First, when de Broase purchased the remainder of 
the barony from Oliver de Tracy (son and heir of 


* The Manor is here termed “ The Honour and Castle of Barum.” 
Honour is particularly applied in the English customs to the more 
noble kind of Seignories or Lordships, whereof other inferior 
Lordships or Manors depend. As a Manor consists of several 
Tenements, Services, Customs, &c. so an Honour contains divers 
Manors, Knight’s Fees, &c.— Enc. Perthen. 


11 


Henry de Tracy) ; one of the conditions of the sale 
was, an annuity of <£20 per annum. He thus became 
possessed of the whole Manor, but did not long enjoy 
1199, John. | it, for soon after, in the reign of King John, 

“ being fallen into displeasure upon suspicion, y e Kinge 
“ tooke against hym, flyeth into France, and there 
“ died* ; his wief and eldest sonne William were 
“ emprisoned, and famished unto death.” The estate 
again reverted to the crown, but a portion of it was 
given to Henry de Tracy; the other moiety was 
restored to Reginald de Broase, son of William, 

1 theTWrd'K \ the reign of Henry the Third, this 
came back to the crown about the end of that 
reign +. 

l2 the S rd } Oliver de Tracy (who inherited a 
moiety of the Manor from Henry de Tracy) dying in 
1273, his portion came by virtue of a marriage with 
his only daughter, Eve, to 

Guy de Brienne, through whose daughter, Maude, 
it came by marriage first to 

Nicholas, Lord Martyn, and afterwards to her 
second husband, 

* His grandson (son of the Lord Reginald Broase) met a still 
more ignominious fate; “ in the 14 yeere of King H. 3, he was 
“ hanged by Leolin, Prince of Wales, whoe tooke him in adultery 
“ w th his wief.” 

+ The Barony of Barnstaple had, at this period, twenty-eight Knight’s Fees 
attached to it. 

I No subsequent distinct notice is taken of this moiety of the 
property ; probably it was given to the possessor of the other portion, 
without any record of the grant being preserved. 


12 


1 the’s^cond r . d } Jeefery de Camville *, who died ill 
1308 ; when it descended by inheritance to 
William, Lord Martyn, son of Lord Nicholas 
Martyn, and Lady Maud. His death took place in 
1314. He left issue, by Elinor, daughter of Reginald 
Fitzpiers, and widow of John Lord Mohun, of Dunster, 
three children—William, Elinor, and Joan. Elinor 
was married, but died without issue. Joan married 
Nicholas Lord Audleigh, of Heleigh ; she died in 1322. 
Her brother, William Lord Martyn, of Ceamoys, 
Dartington, and Barnstaple, succeeded to his father’s 
honours; he married Margaret, daughter of John Lord 
Hastings, but died in 1325, leaving no issue ; and the 
barony fell, consequently, to his elder sister, 
lo theThird. rd } Elinor, wife of Phillip de Columbiers ; 
who, leaving no heir, the estate came, in the seventeenth 
of Edward the Third, to 

James Lord Audleigh^, of Heleigh and Rougemont, 

* A writ of Quo Warranto was served on Jeffery, to shew by 
what right he exercised certain privileges. — See Chronological 
Record, a.d. 1281. 

t Prince says this nobleman was born either at Dartington or 
Barnstaple, and “ that the Castle at Barnstaple was the place of 
“ his principal mansion and inhabitance.” The same historian 
speaks much of the “ Heroic Acts of this Right Noble Lord 
particularly of “ that immortal action of his at Poictiers, in Frauce, 
“ which of itself is sufficient to eternize his memory. The Knight, 
" with his four esquires, went to the foremost front of all the battle, 
“ and there did marvels of arms. This, his noble conduct and 
“ valour, so pleased the brave prince (Edward the Third), that as 
“ a testimony thereof he settled five hundred marks in land upon 


13 


by virtue of his descent from Joan Martyn. His 
Lordship was twice married. His first wife was Joan, 
daughter of Roger Mortimer, by whom he had issue, 
Nicholas, Roger, and Joan. His second, Isabel, 
daughter of Lord Strange; by her he had one 
1 the Second^ \ daughter, Margaret. He died in 1385, 
having made an entail of the barony to his heirs male, 
with a remainder in the crown, and which now 
descended to his eldest son, 

Nicholas Lord Audleigh, who survived his father 
but four years, and died without issue. His brother, 
Roger, having been some time deceased, the male line 
of this noble family became extinct, and the Manor, by 
virtue of the entail, became once more vested in thecrown. 

Richard the Second granted it to 
Robert Vere, Earl of Oxford , who was to hold 
it only until the conquest of Ireland should be 
accomplished; after which, Richard gave it to his 
brother-in-law. 


“ him in England, of annual revenue ; a considerable estate in those 
“ days. The noble-minded Knight divided this gift between his 
“ four esquires, saying, they had deserved it as well as he, and had 
“ more need of it. The generous prince, highly pleased hereat, 
“ praised his bounty as much as his valour, and so doubled his 
“ former pension to him into a thousand marks a year.” 

“ He appointed that there should be about his corpse five great 
“ tapers, and five mortars of wax, burning on the day of his funeral; 
“ as also £40 sterling then distributed to poor people, to pray for 
“ his soul; and to the monks of Hilton Abbey £10, to pray for 
“ his soul.”— Prince's Worthies of Devon ,— See also Baker's 
Chronicles, p. 124. 


14 


John Holland, Duke of Exeter , who was executed 
^heF^rthf } by King Henry the Fourth, in the second 
year of his reign. It does not clearly appear by whom 
the Manor was held during this and the two succeeding 
reigns ; but various individuals are supposed to have had 
grants of it, probably for short periods. In the reign 
1 the * Fourth^} °f Edward the Fourth, we find it given 
by that Prince to his Queen; the next grant we 
14 theThi?d. rd } find recorded is by Richard the Third, in 
the first year of his reign, who gave the “ Castle and 
“ Borough of Barnstaple,” to 

Thomas Evingham, who enjoyed the honour for but 
^seventh. } a s h° rt period. In the first of Henry the 
seventh it was granted to 

Sir John St.Leger, who was also soon deprived of it; 
the Monarch bestowing the Manor on his own mother, 
The Countess of Richmond, for her life. This 
last grant was made in 1487, subsequent to which no 
particular account can be given of the Barony, until 
the reign of 

1553 , Mary. } Queen Mary, when it was finally alienated 
from the crown by that Princess, who granted it, by 
letters patent, to 

Thomas Marrow, of the county of Warwick, Esq. 
from whom it came, by hereditary descent, to his son, 
Samuel Marrow, who, in the eighth year of the reign 
Elizabeth. } of Elizabeth, sold it to 
Sir John Chichester, Knight*, for the sum of four 

* The Baronetcy now enjoyed by this family, was not conferred 
until 1651. 


15 


hundred guineas*; who, by a deed of confirmation 
and release, bearing date August 17th in the same year, 
conveyed the Manor, with all its Privileges, Rents, 
Market Tolls, &c. excepting only the site of the Castle, 
which he reserved, to 

The Mayor and Corporation of Barnstaple . The 
terms of sale were as follows:—A rent in perpetuity of 
fourteen pounds eighteen shillings, and two fish dinners 
annually; the Bailiff, on paying the said rent, to receive 
back one shilling, for the use of the Corporation, for 
every Court there held in a year, towards the SherifPs 

* It is worthy of notice, that the Barony of Barnstaple was, in 
the reign of Henry the Third, valued at £420 per annum ; £15, 
(or two hundred acres of land) being then the worth of a Knight’s 
Fee. The difference in the relative value of the pound of silver 
coin alone made that sum equal to £1,260 at this period; but if 
we take into account the proportionate value [see Appendix , B] of 
money and merchandize in the two reigns, we cannot possibly rate 
a property which, in the time of Henry the Third, was worth £420, 
at less than £4,200 in the reign of Elizabeth. Thus it appears, 
that the Manor of Old Barum went off at the inglorious sum of 
one tenth of a single year’s purchase of its former value. Whence 
this enormous depreciation % It is to be accounted for in two ways. 
First, —It is probable , that in the valuation made of the Borough 
in the reign of Henry the Third, was included the variously named 
imposts, by which, in common with other places, it contributed to 
the public revenue ; all of which were either abolished, or merged 
into a general land tax; but as we cannot in this way account for 
all the deficiency, we premise, Secondly , that most of the tangible 
property belonging to the Borough must have been alienated from it 
by successive proprietors. One thing is, however, certain ; that in 
whatever way the Manor became thus reduced in value, but little 
more than “ the honour ” of it fell to Mr. Marrow. 


16 


dinner; and also four-pence for proclaiming every such 
Court, to the use of the said Bailiff. 

The <f Fish Dinners ” were compounded for, about 
the year 1774, in a wav highly creditable to the one 
party, and very beneficial to the other (see Charities , 
under “ Paige’s Gift ”), as it presumed the cost of 
such dinners would now more than double the annual 
rent. 

The most remarkable circumstance connected with 
the descent of the Manor of Barnstaple, to its present 
proprietors, remains to be recorded ; namely, that at 
the time Sir John Chichester became the purchaser of it, 
it was mortgaged to the Corporation , for two 
hundred pounds . 

The question naturally arises — Why did not that 
body (who, as mortgagees of the property, undoubtedly 
might have done so) purchase it themselves ? We can 
imagine but one reply to this query ; that the state of 
their funds was such as to make it more desirable to 
add two hundred pounds to their coffers, than it was 
then convenient to withdraw a similar amount. Nothing 
surely but an absolute want of money could have 
prevented their making so desirable a contract; it will 
however be seen, that their subsequent speculation was 
by no means a bad one. 

The Castle Court Rental, which probably consists 
of nominal rents paid on lands virtually sold, at a 
remote period, produces but a trifling fixed sum. The 
Tolls, on the contrary, have progressively increased to 
upwards of ten times their amount in the fifteenth year 


17 


of the reign of Elizabeth, The whole income derived 
by the Corporation from the Manor, is as follows :— 


Castle Court Rents, in sums of One Penny'j 
and upwards,(averaging, on 114 distinct 
properties, Is. Ud. each) . . . . J 

Penny-Halfpenny*, comprising all Tolls-, 
received (the Sheep Market and Tollsery i 
excepted) from the Market, and during/ 
the Annual Fair. j 


£ s. d. 
6 11 9f 


107 0 0 


Sheep Market, (including the Horse Fair) 46 0 0 
Tollsery, or Toll paid on Horned Cattle } ~ 

sold at the Fair.. . ) * __ 

£ 166 1 9j 


The Tolls are let by auction annually, in the month 
of November. The sums above stated are what they 
produced at the last letting; the takers paying all 
outgoings. Thus, after deducting the rent of the 
property, and what is paid in lieu of the fish dinners, 
there remains a clear yearly surplus of <^149 11s. 9 d. 
being full nine hundred per cent, on the outlay. 


* This singular term for a toll, has its origin in a penny being 
demanded for every pair of panniers pitched in the market, and a 
half-penny for a basket. 1 find the impost to have been collected 
under this name, nearly three centuries back. 

Earl Fortescuc claims, for the occupiers of certain of his Lordship’s 
estates, comprising the Manors of Filleigh, North Alter, High 
Bray, Bremridge, East Buckland, and Chall a combe, Exemption 
from all Fair and Market Duos. The tenants are furnished with 
a certificate, as follows:— 

l> 







18 


BARNSTAPLE CASTLE. 

Without good evidence of the fact, we might well 
doubt that a baronial fortress had ever reared its head 
on the spot which we know to have been once the site 
of such an edifice. All that remains of the Castle of 
Barnstaple, consists of remnants of two or three 
massive stone walls, now incorporated with the interior 
of a modern mansion —The Castle House. 

In the absence of all data by which to direct our 
enquiries, it would be idle to speculate on the probable 
extent of the ancient structure; Leland speaks of the 
ruins of a “ great Castlebut this must be here taken 
as a very indefinite term. 

No distinct mention is made of the Castle as a building, 
from the time of Judhael de Totnes, until the twelfth 

“ Whereas the Manor of is Antient Demesne 

“ Lands, and held under his Majesty’s Castle and Manor of 
“ and being so Antient Demesne Lands, the tenants 

“ and resiants thereof are free from the payment of all sum or 
“ sums of money that are or may be demanded for Toll, in any 
“ Fair or Market, held within the realm of England, as well for 
“ Cattle or Goods by them bought, as for Cattle or Goods which 
“ they may sell, according to the Law of this Kingdom. 

“ These are therefore to Certify,” &c. &c. 

The following Noblemen and Gentlemen claim a similar 
exemption for the respective manors and estates named, situate in 
the neighbourhood of Barnstaple *— 

His Grace the Duke of Bedford, for the Manor of Bishop's 
Tawton, comprising the parishes of Bishop’s Tawton, Landkcy, and 
Svvymbridge. 


19 


year of the reign of Henry the Third, when its walls 
were ordered to be reduced to the height of ten feet*. 

It does not appear that this edict, which, if strictly 
obeyed, would have virtually demolished the building, 
was complied with; as the Castle w 7 as certainly 
habitable more than half a century subsequent to this 
period. An inquisition was taken in 1282, for the 
purpose of enquiring into some dispute between the 
Lord of the Town and the inhabitants, in which the 
latter maintain as follows:—“ We say that we have 
“ synginge in the Chapele of the Castle, the whiche 
“ shalle be there put at the wille of the Lord, certyne 
“ Rentes being assvnged of old Tyme to susteyne 

the foresaid Chauntry. Sir Walter Chepleyn of 
“ Fremyngton gave a furlonge of Land in Frelingcote 
“ and twenty shillings of annuale Rente.” 

How much longer it was kept up, we have no means 
of judging. Leland, whose Itinerary was published in 
1542, saw its Ruins and a Piece of the Dungeon 
and Phillip Wyott tells us that part of the wall was 
blown down in 1601f. 

By the summary of disbursements made during the 
civil wars, 1642-4, we find that a considerable sum was 

Lord Rolle, for the Manors of Landkey , and Braunton Gorges. 

Sir Arthur Chichester, Bart, for the Manors of SherwiU, Bratton 
Flemming , and Stoke Rivers. 

Sir Humphry Davy, Bart, for Hill Estate. 

Joseph Davie Bassett, Esq. for the Manor of Heanton Funchardon. . 

George Aclaud Barbor, Esq. for the Manor of Fremington. 

* The number of Castles in England, amounted, at this time, 
to 1,115. 

t Sec Chron. Record. 


20 


then expended in fortifying the Castle *. It is very 
questionable whether this had reference to any thing* 
more than to the Tower or Mount; and perhaps some 
temporary erections (“ platforms”) below it, as nothing 
like a building, or the ruins of one, can be traced on 
the site of the Castle,, on a plan of the town, drawn in 
15841, whilst the wall* and battlements on the mound 
appear entire; it is therefore to be presumed, that even 
in Wyott’s time, nothing remained of the Castle but a 
heap of ruins ; and that both he and the Chronicler of 
the Record referred to, applied the term Castle to 
the tower, as being the only part which retained the 
semblance of a fortification. 

Lord Clarendon speaks of the town as being “ well 
“ fortified ” during the rebellion ; but we cannot 
reconcile the supposition that this was then applicable 
to the Castle , with the reference made to it on a public 
trial§ in little more than eighty years afterwards, a 
period much too short to admit of the probability that 
its having then exhibited “ I he pomp and circumstance 
“ of war” could have been wholly forgotten. 

The Castle Green was made the scene of a public 
execution in 1590H. 

For more than a hundred and forty years after Sir John 
Chichester became possessed of the Manor, the Castle 
grounds lay open to the public ; but about the jear 1705, 
Sir Arthur Chichester leased the property to an individual 
im.ijed Gibbs, This person shut out the public by 

* See Civil Wars. 

t A description of which, see in this Chapter. 

X A part of the foundation still remains. 

§ See Appendix [c.“| 

|] See Chron Record. 


21 


enclosing the premises, on which he built a public house, 
and a limekiln*. Gibbs’s lease expired with himself 
in about fifteen years from its commencement. During 
the life time of the lessee, the inhabitants of the town 
had asserted their right to the free use of the lawn and 
mount, by breaking down the enclosures, and ranging 
over the premises ; so that for several years after Gibbs’s 
death, no one could be found to take another lease. 
At length Sir John Chichester’s steward had one granted 
to him for three lives, at the nominal price of ten 
guineas. The grounds were now more closely fenced, 
and the inhabitants, being wholly excluded, 46 murmured 
44 against the Corporation,” for not interfering on their 
behalf. 

George the Second being proclaimed King, June 
20th, 1727, the Mayor, on that occasion, gave directions 
to have a bonfire made on the Tower, which was done, 
and a barrel of ale drank. This trespass was made the 
.subject of an action at law, which the Corporation 
promptly defended. It appeared however on the trial, 
that the town did not possess the right which they 
claimed, and thus lost their 44 sporting placef.” 

The first important improvement made at the Castle 
House, was effected by William Wavell, M.D. about 
1790. At this period, whilst excavating the ground 

* This stood on the site of the present walled enclosure, at the 
East end of the North Walk; it was removed about twenty years 
since. 

t In the Appendix [c.] will be found an extract from the original 
brief, held by defendant’s counsel on this trial. It is considered to 
be worth preserving, both as containing a description of the old 
Caslle precincts, and a record of some of the customs of our 

ancestors. 


22 


within the space enclosed by the old walls before 
alluded to, a perfect skeleton was found, lying in a 
kind of vault*; the area is thought to have been the 
Castle Chapel. From the depth at which the bones 
were found, it would appear that the ground has been 
raised much above its ancient level. 

Whilst these alterations were making, chance also 
brought to light a seal, on which was deeply cut a man 
robed, standing under a niched canopy, with a sword 
in his right hand, and a book in his left; at his feet a 
man was kneeling, and offering a scroll ; round these 
figures was deeply cut, “Gratis Dei sum id quod sum.” 
The seal was very antique in its fashion, and made of a 
kind of bronze ; the letters were Saxon. 

The premises, which have been progressively 
improving for the last thirty years, now present a very 
inviting aspect. The house is genteel and commodious; 
the gardens are both usefully and ornamentally stocked ; 
the mount and lawn are tastefully laid out with trees 
and shrubs, and the residence altogether is a very 
charming one. 

The present occupier is R. W. Grace, Esq. as tenant 
to Philip Eremridge, Esq. who holds the property of 
Sir Arthur Chichester, Bart, under a lease granted by 
the late Sir John Chichester, in 1784, for ninety-nine 
years, determinable on the death of three lives, but 
with a covenant of renewal, on payment of a fine of 
£50. The premises now produce a clear rental of 
«£100 per annum. 

* The remains, it may be, of some renowned warrior, or dignified 
ecclesiastic, still occupy (under a slab in the wine cellar) the same 
“ narrow house ” in which they were discovered. 


23 


BARNSTAPLE PRIORY. 


(Arms— Gules, a Bend, Or, a Label of three Points Argent.) 


This was a Priory of cluniac monks, dedicated to 
St. Mary Magdalene. It was founded in the reign of 
William the Conqueror, by Joel (or Judhael) de Totnes, 
and made dependent on St. Martinis in the Fields, near 
Paris. Joel grants* to the religious, Pilton, with the 
Wood and Marsh, Pilland, the Mill at Barnstaple, all 
the Land without the walls between the north and east 
gates, with all the Waters, Fish, &c.; moreover, the 
Church of Barnstaple, the Chapel of Sabinus, with 
their appurtenances, two parts of the Tythe of 
Fremington, and the whole Tythe of Fish. 

The community, it appears from Bishop Bronescombe’s 
Register, consisted of thirteen members. Being an 
alien Priory, its revenues were frequently seized during 
the wars between England and France, but was made 
denizen, probably about the time of Henry the Sixth, 
and so continued until the general suppression of 
monastries. 

* A Copy of the Deed of Foundation may be seen in Dug. Mon. 
vol. i. p. 684. Tanner, however, says that it “ is not that of the 
“ Foundation, but a second Grant.”—King William, Henry the First, 
and William, Bishop of Exon, confirmed Joel’s donations, and his 
descendants, Henry de Tracy, and William de Broase, added their 
respective Charters ; the former dated in 1146. The whole of these 
Grants may be found in the Monast. Ang. 




24 


The Registers supply the following series of the 
Priors, from the year 1265 * 


1. —Simon Gurneye, admitted Prior, . August 1265 

2. —Theobald de Curtipalatio, . . 29th June, 1275 

3. —John.1314 

4. —John de Sanct& GemniA.—He scandalously x 

neglected the duty of residence, and was^ 
obliged to tender his resignation to Bishop/' 
Grandison, in the year.5 

5. —John Soyer, succeeded . . . March 18, 1334 

6. —Imbertus de Gaumachiis, admitted on the > 

death of John Soyer .... Dec. 10, > ^ 

7. —Reginaldus Pirdoc, succeeded . Dec. 9, 1349 

and resigned in the summer of 1351. 


8. —Roger Hayn, admitted.Nov. 7, 1351 

9. —Richard Carre, or Cary,succeeded; he died i 

i 1376 


late in.3 

10. —Ralph Chelfham ; he died in.1392 

11. —Henry Sutton, succeeded . . . May 28, 1392 

he died in 1398 

12. —Simon Sele, admitted.Sept. 1398 

died June 15, 1428 


13. —Hugh Lyton, succeeded . . . July 28, 1428 

died Dec. 16, 1461 

14. —John Pylton was confirmed as his successor, 1461 

15. —John Ilfracombe; he resigned in . . . 1502 

16. —John Pylton followed, and after governing the 

Priory sixteen years, retired on a Pension 
of £20. 


* Richard is mentioned in Prynne’s Records as Prior in 1226, 
and Normanus occurs, but without date, in the Charter of William 
de Braiosa.— Tanner's Not. Mon. 






25 


1 /. Robert Thorn, the last Prior, succeeded 7 

August 12 th.j-1518 

He surrendered his Convent to the King’s Commissioners, 
*he 4th of February, in the twenty-seventh year of King 
Henry the Eighth, 1535, and was allowed a pension of £14 
per annum for life* * * § . He was alive in Barnstaple in 1555, 
having certified, February the 2 nd in that year, that the 
tenants of the house of Magdalene paid the Quintadecima +. 

Risdon says,—“ this Prior, for his device, bare a roe-buck 

leaning to a hawthorn, in an escutcheon, with the word 

‘ Bert interposed, and this underwritten;—Capram cum 
“ s P ina protegat divina potestas.” Westcote J gives the 
“ motto Capram cum spina protegat potestas divina.” 

1 he revenues of the Priory are stated by Dugdale to 
have been valued at £123 6s. 7d .; by Speed at 
£129 15s. 8d. § 

The Taxatio contains the following items :— 

£ s. d . 

Prior de Barnstapol percipit in capellis de) 0 


Clifton and Hatheline.) 

In ecclesi& de Barnstapol.1 10 0 

In eccleshi de Ffremyton.0 8 0 

In eccia de Hamme (George) -,....200 


In Decanatu Barum de terris and redditibus 2 10 0 
Apud Waleworthi et Kymelonde tax ad . . 0 15 0 


* Robert Britte was, iu 1542, in the enjoyment of a pension of 
forty shillings per annum, granted him in 1520, by the Augmentation 
Court. 

t See Chron. Record. 

X Manuscript Description of Devon in Exeter Cathedral. 

§ The sum mentioned by Risdon (£223 65. 7 d.) must have 
been a typographical error. 

E 






26 * 


In the grant to Lord Howard (see Appendix), the 
undermentioned sums appear to have been paid annually 
to the Convent of St. Mary Magdalene:— 

£ s. d. 

By the Vicar of Barnstaple. 5 0 0 

„ Rector of Georgeham .5 0 0 

„ Borough of Barnstaple* (or Castle Manor) 2 0 0 

„ Rector of Fremington.1 10 0 

Leland tells us that Philip de Columbers, his wife, 
and some of the Barons of Slane, in Ireland, were 
interred in Barnstaple Priory. “ In the garden of this 
“ Priory (writes Risdon) was lately the proportion of 
“ a knight, lying cross-legged, with his sword and 
“ shield, seeming to be one that had vowed a voyage 
“ into the Holy Land for that sacred warfare ; removed 
“ out of the church, doubtless, at the dissolution.” 

About two years after the surrender of the Priory to 
Henry the Eighth, that monarch granted itf, with 

* A deed has, during the present year, been discovered at 
Tawstock House, which, there can be ( scarcely a doubt, has 
reference to this identical annuity. It is a license under the Great 
Seal, dated York, 26th January, in the 7th year of the reign of 
Edward the Third, empowering Sir Philip de Columbers (then Lord 
of Barum), and Alionora, his wife, to endow their perpetual Chantry 
Priest with forty shillings annual rent, issuing from lands in 
Barnstaple. The said Priest was to officiate daily, singulis dicbus 
celebraturus. Part of the deed is in such a decayed state, as not 
to place it wholly beyond doubt that the Chantry referred to was in 
St. Mary Magdalene’s Priory; but the fact that both Philip de 
Columbers and his wife were interred there, may be considered as 
supplying this chasm in the evidence, 
t For a Copy of this Grant, sec Appendix [d.] 




27 


its valuable estates *, to William Lord Howard, of 
Effingham, and Margaret his wife. 

King James the First, by letters patent, dated 12th 
of February, 1607, granted the reversion in fee to 
William Lord Howard, son and heir apparent of Charles 
Howard, Earl of Nottingham, Lord High Admiral 
of England, son and heir of Lord Howard, the first 
grantee. 

William Lord Howard, as appears by indenture, 
enrolled in Chancery, bearing date the 29th of March, 
1613, granted the site of the Priory, with the Rectory, 
Advowson, and most of the Landed Property, to 

Reginald Portree, from whom it descended to his 
two daughters; one of these conveyed it by marriage to 

-- Sydenham, Esq.; after which it came into a 

family named Norlhmore. 

The remaining part or parts of the Priory Estates, 
Lord Howard disposed of about the same period, some 
“ unto divers people for divers long Terms of Years.” 
One of the sales consisted of “ The capital Messuage, 
16 Barton, and Farm of Potyngton in Pilton and 
“ Barnstaple, late Parcel of St. Mary Magdalene, with 
“ Port Mills, and a House and Garden in Boutport 
“ Street, belonging to the same.” This estate, which 
is sometimes called the “ Manor of Maudlyn,” was 

* Not content with these, we find Lord Howard, in 1538, setting up 
a claim to the soil of Boutport Street. In the “ Mayor’s answer,” it 
is set forth that “ Barnestaple is an anciente Porte, and Bouteporie 
“ Parcell of t*hc Suburbes belonging to the said Towne Tyme on 1 
“ of Mynde.” 



28 


sold to Henry Rolle, (ancestor of the present Lord 
Rolle) for the sum of Two Thousand Four Hundred 
Pounds . The proceeds of this comparatively small 
portion of the Priory property., may give us some idea 
of the value of its other endowments. 

How long the Priory might have been preserved 
as a residence subsequent to the dissolution of the 
establishment, cannot now be ascertained ; but that 
the building was not suffered immediately to go to 
decay, is evident; since fifty-five years after the grant 
to the Howard family, the house was considered a fit 
habitation for the Sheriff of Devonshire*. This is, I 
believe, the latest mention made of it. It is not 
improbable that Lord Howard might have taken up 
his abode here on becoming possessed of the property ; 
the situation must have been a very inviting one, 
commanding a fine prospect of the river, as well as a 
considerable extent of country,and, what would certainly 
in his Lordship’s estimation, add much to the interest 
of the scenery, he might almost exclaim with Cowper’s 
Selkirk,—“ I’m monarch of all I survey •]*.” 

The Priory building, and lhost of the detached 
offices, have been long since razed to their foundations; 
only small portions of walls now remain, which probably 
formed part of some of the numerous out-houses 
mentioned in the grant. 


* See Chron. Record, 1590. 

t Besides the long list of Manors and Estates enumerated, all 
the left hand side of Pilton Street belonged to Barnstaple Priory. 
(The greater part of the right side belonged to Cleevc Abbey.) 


29 


Amongst the memorandums left by a deceased 
individual*, l find the following relating to a house 
built in 1798, on the verge of the Priory site, facing 
Boutport Street; it is noticed here purposely, as it 
respects the coins, that the error may he corrected. 
“ In building the same they had occasion to dig below 
cf the surface of the earth, (no unusual occurrence this!) 
“ where they found old Saxon coins, by pecks , to a 
“ very great value ; and also divers bones, which 
“ appeared to have lain in beds of lime.” The writer 
adds,—“ enquire about this, as I am very hard in 
“ believing it.” The gentleman who built the house 
in question, assures me that two or three coins only 
were found. I have not been able to meet with more 
than one of these, which is a shilling of the second 
year of the reign of Elizabeth. 


* The late Thomas Brooke Keate, of Barnstaple, law-writer, 
whose name deserves honourable mention, he having been the first 
to enter on the task of compiling a History of his native town. If 
he was not gifted with all the judgment requisite for such an 
undertaking, he only wanted that which but comparatively few 
possess, (and what the writer hs free to confess his own deficiency in.') 
With peculiar facilities for procuring materials, Mr. Keate united 
a persevering industry in the pursuit, and thus brought together a 
quantity of interesting matter relative to Barnstaple; but having 
been unfortunately in the habit of lending detached portions of his 
Manuscript, which no one took the trouble to seek for after his 
decease, much, and it is to be feared the most valuable part of what 
he had,collected, is irrecoverably lost: the substance of what has 
been preserved, is, through the kindness of the individuals into 
whose hands it fell, incorporated with this work. Thomas Brooke 
Keate died October 20th, 1816, aged twenty-one years. 


30 


A more interesting discover)’, connected with the 
Priory, has since been made, which is thus described 
in the Gentleman^ Magazine, for January, 1826:— 

“ In May, 1819, some workmen employed in 
“ forming a tan-yard on the site of the Priory, called St. 
u Magdalen, in Barnstaple, laid open the foundations 
“ of many extensive walls, thick, and formed of very 
“ solid masonry, the mortar cementing the stones 
“ being harder than even the stones themselves. 
“ They were covered by immense heaps of rubbish, 
“ stones, and slates, apparently thrown over them at 
“ the demolition of the buildings. Amongst the 
“ rubbish were fragments of columns, ribs of groins, 
“ paving tiles, glazed with a flower-de-luce on them, 
“ and some stones with crosses. Two stones were 
“ very perfect, and retained in excellent preservation 
“ the arms of which I send you an exact copy. 

“ The whole of these foundations and rubbish had 
rt been covered for ages by a fine green sward, and 
“ now being only partly uncovered, and the rubbish 
“ again thrown back, as suited the convenience of the 
“ workmen ; it was not possible to form a correct idea 
“ either of the extent or form of these buildings. 

“ Two skeletons were found, one was very perfect, 
“ and a man^s. Near this skeleton* Jay a small bell, 
“ such as is tinkled in the Catholic churches during 
" the celebration of mass ; it was of bell-metal, and 


* Most probably the remains of the Ostiarius or Doorkeeper, in 
the form of whose ordination the Bishop says, “ Ostiarium oporlet 
“ perculere cymbalum et campanam .” 


31 


6r not in the slightest degree corroded; the clapper, 

“ being of iron, was destroyed by rust. Several coins 
“ were found, and some, as I have heard, of silver; but 
“ of the latter I could not obtain a sight* 

“ A souter^ain was laid open, but whether it was 
“ an extended passage, or merely the cloaca, it suited 
“ neither the purse nor inclination of the tanner 
to ascertain. There is a tradition that there once 
“ existed a subterranean communication under the 
“ river Yeo, from this place to a religious establishment 
“ at Bull Hill, near Pilton church, where the Pope’s 
indulgences were sold. I believe, however, there 
fC are few places where similar traditions do not exist. 

“ There is also a tradition that a stone coffin had 
been found here, containing the body of a man in 
“ complete armour.” 

The letter from which the above is extracted, was 
accompanied by an engraving, which, by the liberality 
of the editor of the Gentleman’s Magazine, who has 
kindly granted me the use of the block, I am enabled 
to copy into this work. 

The arms represented in the sketch, are affixed 
to the back wall of a house, erected in 1822, on the 
site of the Priory, now the property and residence of 
Thomas Palmer Acland, Esquire. 

From the large quantities of human bones which 
have been at different times dug up in the Rack Field, 
(as the Priory site is now called, from the circumstance 
of its having been long used for the purpose of drying 
woollen cloths) it would appear to have been made the 
receptacle of a much greater number of bodies than it is 


32 


likely were interred there during the period it remained 
a religious establishment. 

Similar discoveries have been made in other fields 
near the town ; the most probable conjecture with 
respect to them all is, that they were converted into 
burying places when the plague raged here a. d. 1646*. 

All the houses on the East side of Boutport Street, 
from Pilton Bridge to Vicarage Lane, as well as the 
Vicarage House, and the Cottages beyond it, are 
evidently built on the Priory ground. These have 
become the property of various individuals. The 
Rack Field, which still retains the name of Maudlyn 
(a corruption of Magdalene), is vested jointly in the 
Reverend John Boyce, Rector of Sherwill, and Miss 
Dene, of Barnstaple; in proportion to its extent, it is 
a very valuable property. 

It is erroneously stated in LysoiTs Mag. Brit, to 
belong to R. N. Incledon, Esquire. This gentleman 
was the proprietor of the site of Pilton Priory, which 
he has lately sold, and is possessed of the Great Tithes 
of Barnstaple, formerly annexed to the Priory; from 
one of these circumstances, the mistake made by Messrs. 
Lysons’ may have arisen. 

A grant was made by Sir James de Audley, in 1348, 
of “ an area in Barnstaple, for poor brethren hermits 

of the order of St. Augustine.” The grant was 
confirmed by Bishop Grandison, June the 9th in that 
year, and Robert Rowe gave, shortly after, five acres of 
“ land, in Barnstaple, to the said hermits,” as appears 


See Chron, Record. 


33 


from the Inquisitio ad quod damnum , anno , 27th of 
Edward the Third. 

A house of Friars Austin here, founded by one 
Robert Bacon, is mentioned in some collections of 
Mr. Stewart, of pat. 27 Edward the Third*. No 
further record has been left of these institutions.— 
Probably the intentions of the Donors were never fully 
carried into effect. 

I cannot allow myself to close this account of the 
Priory, without acknowledging my obligations to the 
Reverend George Oliver, a gentleman, of whom it is 
difficult to say which best deserves our admiration,— 
his extensive learning, or the liberal and unassuming 
manner in which he dispenses from his stores of 
knowledge for the benefit of others. 

Not only am I indebted to Mr. Oliver for the 
List of Priors, which is copied from his “ Historic 
Collections relating to the Monastries in Devon,” 
but for the unrestricted use of notes, taken by him 
since the publication of that work ; and also for valuable 
information of a more general kind. 

* Tanner’s Nat. Monast. - In the same work, and just preceding 
the paragrapl) now quoted, occurs the following:—“ A Hospital of 
“ the Holy Trinity here (in Barum)is mentioned pat. 9, Henry the 
“ Fourth, p. 1, m. 3, vol. iv.; ” but on referring to the Calen. Rot. 
Patentium, l find the reference to be as follows:—“ De Hospitale 
" seu elemosinario fraternitatis S. Trinitatis in Bristoll per Joharmem 
“ de Barnstaple perampl.” A strange mistake in such a work. 


r 


34 


% THE MANOR OF HOG'S FEE, 

Was anciently in the suburbs, but is now situate 
nearly in the heart of the town of Barnstaple. Although 
once thought worthy of being presented by the hands 
of Royalty, the property now only produces the trifling 
fixed income of £ 1 14s. in chief rents. The first 
mention made of it is as follows:—Temp. Edward the 
Third.— 64 Robert Beauple Chevaler has in the said 
4f Borough (of Barnstaple) a certain Fee, called Hog's 
fC Fee, of which are held twenty-six tenements; he 
44 holds his Court once in three weeks*." 

TheCalen. Inquis. post mortem contains the following 
reference to this Manor :— 44 9 Ric. 2. Nigellus Loringe 
44 Chevaler et Margaretta Uxor ejus Barnestaple 10s. 
44 reddit' vocat Hogesfee." It came into the hands of 
the crown, in the second year of the reign of Queen 
Mary, by virtue of the attainder of Henry Duke of 
Suffolk, and so remained until the eighth of James 
the First, in which year the Manor was granted, by 
letters patent, to George Whitemore, and Thomas 
Whitemore, Esquires; from whom it passed, through 
Richard and William Bennett, to John Pincombe, 
of South mol ton, gentleman. Richard Pincombe, son 
and heir of the last named, left it to his three sisters, 
Mary, Elizabeth, and Gertrude. Mary married John 
Tuckfield, Esq. whose daughter and heiress devised her 

* This Court was kept up during the life-time of Mr. Thomas 
Keate, who officiated as Steward or Bailiff of the Manor; but has 
since been discontinued. 


35 


'portion of the property to John Crew, Esquire, who 
sold it to the Mayor and Corporation of ^ Barnstaple. 
Elizabeth Pincombe, dying without issue, her share of 
the Manor fell to Gertrude., who devised the two-thirds 
to Roger Tuckfield and John Creyk; they made sale 

t0 - -Selter, and others, by whom it was sold to 

the Mayor and Corporation of Barum, who thus became 
possessed of the undivided property. 

The original extent of this estate cannot now be 
correctly ascertained ; a bond-stone, projecting from 
the front of a house on the East side of Boutport (about 
half way betwixt Back Lane and Silver Street), and the 
White Horse Inn, in the same street, are supposed to 
mark its extent N. and S. The houses, &c. from 
which the rental is derived, not being in a continuous 
line, but scattered over different parts of the town, 
furnish no clue by which to fix the bounds of the 
Manor. 


THE OLD TOWN. 

In its primary sense this term is, of course, only 
applicable to the ancient Burgh ; but it may also with 
propriety be applied, as now intended, to the town and 
suburbs, as embracing in one community, although 
under different jurisdictions, the three separate interests 
(see page 9,) into which Barnstaple was anciently 
divided. 

It is a pleasing feature in the History of Barnstaple, 
that (as far as my information extends) the town is 
mentioned by all old writers in terms of commendation. 



36 


As we must principally depend on the testimony ot 
Historians, in order to form a judgment of the ancient 
state of the tow n, I subjoin extracts from the works of 
such as I have been enabled to discover have written 
respecting it. 

ic The Towne of Berdenestaple hath be waullid and 
44 the Waulle was in Compace by estimation half a 
€€ Myle. It is now almost clene faullen. The 
“ names of 4 Gates, by Est, West, North, and South, 
“ yet remain, and manifest tokens of them. The 

suburbes be now more than the Towne. The 
44 Houses be of Stone as al Houses in good Townes 
44 thereaboute be. There be manifest Ruines of a great 
44 Castelle at the North West Side of the Tow ne. Sum 
4f say that one of the Tracys made the right great and 
rf sumeptus Bridge of Stone, having 16 high arches, 
44 at Berstaple.”— Leland’s Itinerary , 1542. 

46 Barnstaple, a Borough right ancient, bordereth 
46 here upon the East Bank of Taw, it is the chief 
44 Town of Merchandise next the River’s mouth. It 
44 was once walled, the foundation of whose Walls, 
44 could they be traced out, doubtless the Town would 
44 appear nothing so large; which if now walled, so 
44 fair built aud populous withal, would prove little 
4f inferior to some Cities, for it hath Liberties and 
44 Privileges as in a City, and is pleasantly and sweetly 
“ situate amidst Hills, in form of a semi-circle, upon 
“ the River, as it were a Diameter, whose streets in 
44 whatsoever weather, are clean and fairly paved. It 
44 hath a Friday’s Market, for frequency of People, 
44 and Choice of all Commodities, the cheapest in this 


37 


“ Tract. The Inhabitants profess merchandise, and 
“ through Traffic have much enriched themselves.”— 
Risdon’s Survey of Devon. 

44 Reputed this is a very ancient Towne, and for 
tf elegant Buildings and frequencie of People held 
“ chiefe in all this Coast. On the South Side it hath 
4f a stately Bridge. The Inhabitants, for the most 
4 * Part, are Merchants who in France and Spaine trade 
44 and traffique much.”— Camden’s Britain , edition 
1637*. 

4f No place was thought so convenient for his 
“ (The Prince of Wales’s) Residence, as Barnstaple, a 
“ pleasant Town in the North of Devon, well fortified, 
44 with a good Garrison in it.— Lord Clarendon’s 
History of the Rebellion. 

44 Barnstaple was once walled round, which if it had 
44 continued, it would have been little inferior to some 
44 Cities for fair Buildings, numerous Inhabitants, and 
44 great Liberties and Privileges. It is fairly paved and 
44 the Streets are clean in all Weathers.”— Britannia 
et Hibernia antiqua et nova , 1714. 

44 The pleasant Town—the clean and neat Town of 
46 Barnstaple ”— Prince’s Worthies of Devon. 

As might be expected of a wall which three centuries 
ago was 44 almost clene faullen,” there are now no visible 
remains of the ancient boundary of the townf. 

* This work, which was compiled from an actual Survey, made 
during the reign of Elizabeth, was first published, in Latin, a. d. 
1594. 

t Part of the side wall of a house in Boutport Street, (about 
midway between Paternoster Row and Joy Street) is thought by 


38 


Doctor Johnson somewhere remarks, that “ Walls 
cC supply materials for building, much more readily 
“ than Quarries,” and when an increased population 
required additional dwellings, our ancestors acted but 
wisely, if, as doubtless was the case, they made the site 
and materials of a decaying fortification subservient to 
their convenience, by appropriating both to the erection 
of houses. 

Although “ manifest tokens yet remain” of but one 
of the four gates* mentioned by Leland, there issufficient 
evidence to warrant the conclusion that the situation of 
the other three, as well as the course of the town wall, 
varied but little from the line described below. 

From the ancient northern entrance to the town, the 
substantial masonry of which is still apparently much 
in its original state, the wall appears to have passed on 
in the rear of the present houses on the west side of 
Boutport Streetf, to East GateJ, thence to South 

some persons to be a remnant of the Town Wall. The building 
referred to, certainly stands very near, if not upon the line of the 
old wall, and this is all that can be said in favor of the supposition 

* It is somewhat extraordinary, that in no one of the many 
ancient records, &c. that have come to my hands, is there any 
particular mention made of either of the Gates of the town. 

t Two houses are described in 1594, as being “ bounded by the 
** Town Wall on the West, and Boutport Street on the East.”— 
See Charities , “Appley’s Gift.” 

t The situation of this Gate has been fixed (by conjecture) 
near the spot referred to in the note in the last page ; to 
admit this would involve the manifest absurdity of supposing an 
entrance without a street, and, at a few yards distance, a street 
without an entrance; I have therefore considered it as having stood’ 
as is certainly most probable, at the top of Joy Street. 


39 


Gate, situate at the bottom of High Street*, and 
(most probably through Maiden Street) along the 
Beach (now the Quay) to West Gate, at the bottom 
of Cross Street, from whence it ran on to the Castle, 
and again joined North Gate. This line describes 
a circumference of more than four-fifths of a mile f, by 
actual admeasurement, being nearly double the distance 
Leland gives 44 by estimation.” 

We sit down now-a-day, and discourse coolly enough 
about walls and castles; it would be well were we 
sometimes to look back and endeavour to bring home 
the period when our now peaceable town was a fortress, 
and its inhabitants clad in mail; when 64 the confused 
4f noise of warriors ” was an accustomed sound, and 
“ garments rolled in blood ” a familiar sight; when 
the weak became the prey of the strong, and the 
strong in his turn was spoiled by 44 a stronger 
44 than he.” 

The earliest mention that I find made (excepting 
what is said in Domesday) of the number or state of 


* The house at the corner of High Street and JBoutport, formerly 
The Black*a-moor’s Head ” Inn, is described in aucient deeds as 
being “ near the South Gate ; ” and in an old Corporation Rental, 
«« at South Gate.” Wyot (Chron. Reg. 1595) speaks of Southgate 
Street. In ail probability. High Street was originally limited to the 
centre division of the present street; the two extremities being 
Northgate Street, and Southgate Street. 

t Measured thus:—North Gate to East Gate, 895 feet; East 
Gate to South Gate, 952 feet; South Gate to West Gate, 660 feet; 
West Gate to the Castlp, 1254 feet; the Castle to North Gate, 
528 feet;—total, 4290 feet, or i- ~ of a mile. 


40 


the houses in the town, occurs in the reign of Henry 
the Eighth, and is as follows:— 

“ Whereas there hath been in times past many 
beautiful houses within the walls and liberties of York, 
Lincoln, Canterbury, Coventry, Bath, Chichester, 
Salisbury, Winchester, Bristol, Scarborough, Lynn, 
“ Hereford, Colchester, Rochester, Portsmouth, Poole, 
“ Feversham, Worcester, Stafford, Exeter, Ipswich, 
“ Buckingham, Pontefract, Grantham, Southampton, 
“ Great Yarmouth, Oxenford, Guildford, Estretfore, 
“ (quaere, if Stafford ?) Great Wicomb, Kingston upon 
“ Hull, Newcastle upon Tyne, Beverley, Bedford, 
“ Leicester, Berwick, Shafton, Sherborn, Bridport, 
Dorchester, Weymouth, Barnstable, Plymouth, 
“ Plympton, Tavistoke, Dartmouth, Lestwithiel, 
“ Leskeard, Lanceston, Bodmin, Truro, Helston, 
“ Taunton, Bridgwater, Somerton, Alchester, Maldon, 
<c Warwick, which houses now are fallen down, decayed, 
“ and at this time remain unre-edified, as desolate, and 
“ vacant grounds; many of them nigh adjoining to 
“ the high streets, replenished with much uncleanness 
“ and filth, with pits, cellars, and vaults, lying open 
66 and uncovered, to the great peril of the King^s 
“ subjects ; and other houses are in danger of falling. 
“ Now if the owners of the waste grounds (on which 
16 houses have stood within twenty-five years back), 
“ and of the decaying houses, do not in three years 
“ rebuild them, then the Lord of whom the ground is 
“ held, may re-enter and seize the same as in a like law, 
“ anno, 1535.— Stat. 32, Henry Eighth, cap. 18, 19. 


41 


A modern writer*, who appears to have possessed 
competent means of forming a correct judgment on the 
subject, considers that the complaint here made, as it 
respects the decay of houses, was frivolous, and had its 
origin in “ the particular humour of Parliament” at this 
period, since many of the cities and towns mentioned 
were known to be then in a very thriving condition. 
Whatever might have been amiss, he considers, was 
“ more owing to carelessness than actual decay,” and 
that the statement was much exaggerated. Be this, 
however, as it may, Barnstaple certainly appears in good 
company, and on the evidence of the Statute referred 
to, may be fairly considered to have ranked amongst 
the principal towns of the empire. 

I find no reference to this act in any private 
memorandums, and am therefore unable to afford any 
information as to what effects might have been produced 
by it in Barnstaple. 

In cf A plotte off that partte off the towne off 
“ Barnestaple , neere the ryvere syde before the 
“ kaye teas buylded Anno D. 1584j*,” the following- 
streets, &c. appear, as described below:— 

* Macpherson—Annals of Commerce. 

t Since page 16 was printed off, 1 have been led to question the 
accuracy of the date here specified, as having reference to the State 
of the Town at that period . It would appear rather to be “ A plotte” 
executed in 1584, shewing what the state of the lower part of the 
town was before the Quay was built. If we believe that there 
was no Quay erected at this time, we must also believe that the 
Corporation, in their Petition for the Charter, (see Chap. HI.) 
granted to the town in 1556, practised a deception on the King 
G 


42 


“ Castell hille and Tower ”—The Hill appears 
without a tree or shrub, and surrounded by a ditch. 
The Tower consists of an embattled wall, with loop holes, 
in perfect repair. “ Castell greene” is unenclosed, 
and nothing like a building appears on the premises, 
except the lower already mentioned. “ Castell 
iC poyntte” is represented as a green sward, running 
nearly out to low-water mark ; the whole of the space 
from the Castle to “ Hollande Streett” is also a green, 
enclosed by a low wall. A building, designated 
“ William Johnson’s housse” on “ The Stronde ” 
occupies the site of Captain Gribble’s residence, in the 
Cattle Market; it is represented as standing on a green, 
with its front towards the water. No other house or 
erection of any kind is to be seen on the side of the 
street next the river, until we reach “ Litsound ” 
(Litchdon) except the desecrated Chantry of Saint 
Thomas, at the corner of the Bridge, and a small house 
(erected probably for the purpose of collecting money 
from passengers) on the opposite side. The Square, 
as we now term it, is a beach, with an open sewer 
running across it from the bottom of Silver Street. 
The houses on the East, West, and North sides appear 
however, much as at the present time. Those on the 
Eastern side have a low wall in front, for the purpose, 
as it would seem, of securing a dry passage at tide 

and his Council, too scandalous to have been attempted, and too 
palpable to have passed undiscovered. Wyot speaks of a new Quay 
being built in 1600; and we find that the Fair was regularlv kept 
on the Quay before the 34th year of the reign of Elizabeth.-— See 
Chron Record , 1590, and 1600. 


43 


time. “ Litsound” exhibits dwelling houses on the 
North side of the street, reaching to the full extent of 
Litchdon Terrace*; the buildings on the opposite side 
are also complete as far as they reach at present. Part 
of “ Bar bicane Lane ” is shewn, as is also the road 
passing through “ Portte marish” (Port-marsh) and 
“ Gooze Leaze” (now Gooseleigh-marsh) on to 
“ Cowebrydge” The houses in “ Hollande Streett, 
u Crosse Streett ” Theatre Lane, (not named) and 
“ JVlayden Streett” and also on the North side of 
the Cattle Market and Quay, on to the Square, occupy, 
with one exception, the same positions as they now do. 
The exception regards the site of the Bell Inn, and the 
Coal Cellars adjoining, which is laid down as a vacant 
space, having apparently a row of shambles in front. 
“ The Sande Rudge ” lies close beneath the town, 
instead of on the Tawstock side, as at present; “ The 

Ryuer Towe” running, at low water, only through 
the last five arches of “ The Longe Brydge” The 
Bridge appears with sixteen arches, as at present. 

Such other particulars as 1 have collected respecting 
the state of the town and its customs, in <<r days of yore,” 
will best appear in the Chronological Record, where 
they will be found under their respective dates. 

* Probably the houses which appear to have stood at this period 
on Litchdon Green (now Litchdon Terrace), as well as on the ground 
occupied by the two adjoining houses (which were built not many 
years since), were among the number of those “demolished ” during 
the rebellion .—See Civil Wars. 


44 


CHAPELS AND CHANTRIES*. 

Besides a Convent and parish Church, Barnstaple 
appears to have abounded in religious establishments 
'©f a minor order. The following are recorded : — 

The Chapel of St. Sabinus has been already noticed, 
as having formed part of JoePs grant at the foundation 
of the Priory. 

Leland says, “ There hath beene 4 Chapelles yn the 
Cf Towne, of the which one was at the Est End of the 
“ Bridge dedicate to Thomas Becket now profaned ; 
(i the other 3 yet stande, one of Alhalowes at the 
“ North Gate; Another of St. Nicholas at the West 
“ Gate, as I remember. One Holman, Vicar of the 
“ Paroche Chirch in Berstaple made a fair Chapelle 
f£ and founded a Chauntrie in it in the Paroche Chirch 
“ Yard in Berstaple.” 

Brown Willis f mentions three Chantries and a free 
Chapel, with the pensions paid to the Incumbents of 
each, in 1553, namely :— 

£ s. d. 

John Hardin Incumbent of St. Ann’s Chapel 5 0 0 
Robt. Thorne Incumbent of St.George’s Chantry 6 0 0 
John Trench of Rowlin’s Chantry .... 1 0 0 

Peter Scynthyl Incumbent of the Free Chapel*} 

there, (and a like sum for the same at >2 7 0 
Fremington). j 

* Chantry, Chauntry,—A sepulchral Chapel. Such foundations 
were endowed with revenues arising from landed or other property 
for the support of priests to chant masses for the souls of the donors 
and others.— Britton's Archiiec . Antiquities. 
t History of Mitred Abbeys, vol. ii. p. 66. 




45 


Of the eight* buildings here mentioned, the situations 
of four only can be correctly ascertained; but two of 
these remain, and they were desecrated centuries ago. 

THE CHAPEL OF ST. SABINUS, 

Was probably annexed to the Church, and enclosed 
with it when that edifice was rebuilt. This is at once a 
reasonable supposition, and the best way in which we 
can account for the omission of the Chapel in the 
subsequent grant of the Priory, &c. to Lord Howard. 

thomas-a-becket’s chapel, 

Was situate at the end of the Bridge, on the precise 
spot now occupied by the residence of E. R. Roberts, 
Esq. Leland tells us it was rt profaned” in his day. 
A building (whether the original one or not is uncertain) 
appears on its site in the old map before referred to (see 
page 42.) This Chapel was dedicated to Thomas-a- 
Becket, the canonized Archbishop of Canterbury, and 
has obtained some celebrity from being said to have been 
built by Sir William de Tracy, one of the Prelate’s 
assassins, in expiation of his crime. “ The Chauntry 
“ of St.Thomas,” Mr.Oliver informs us, “is frequently 
“ mentioned in the Bishop’s Registers,” but they contain 
nothing that will warrant a belief that the building was 
in existence earlier than the reign of Edward the Third. 

Historians are much at variance both as to the 
conduct of de Tracy subsequent to the murder, as 

* Nine are enumerated, but tbe Chapel in the Church Yard and 
St. Anns, are the same. 


46 


well as to the time and place of his death. Giraldus 
Cambrensis, a cotemporary, says, that immediately 
after the murder. Sir William de Tracy hastened to 
present himself to Bartholomew, Bishop of Exeter, 
“ in cujus Diocesi terras amplas habebat,” in whose 
Diocese he had large possessions , to whom he 
confessed his crime. Some writers state that all the 
murderers retired to Knaresborough, in Yorkshire, 
where they remained some time, and then fled to Rome, 
and were admitted to penance by the Pope, Alexander 
the Third ; others again, that some fled for their lives 
into the North, and some into the West. 

One account says that de Tracy died at Cozenza, 
in Italy, within three years after the death of the 
Archbishop ; another, that he and his companions in 
guilt ended their days in Jerusalem, and were “ buried 
“ without the church door belonging to the Templars ;” 
whilst Camden affirms that “ Sir William de Traceye, 
“ one of the murtherers of Thomas Becket, A. B. of 
“ Canterbury, retired twenty-three years subsequent 
“ to the occurrence to Mort* ** , or Morthoe/’ a village 

* In the Church at this place is a handsome monument, said to 
have been made the depository of the remains of de Tracy, Becket’s 
murderer, hut more generally believed to be that of a clergyman 
named William Tracy, who died at Mcrte in 1322, and who, as the 
title of Sir, or “ Syre,” was commonly applied to the clergy at that 
period, had it inscribed on his tomb as a customary thing. The 
following description of this relic of antiquity is copied from the 
North Devon Magazine , for April, 1824*.— 

“ It is in length about eight feet, nearly four feet broad, and 

** rises about two feet from the floor of the transept; the figure of 
“ it is therefore a long square, or parallelogram, lying across 


47 


lying on the shore of the Bristol channel, about ten 
miles West from Barnstaple. There appears certainly 
but little, if any reason, to conclude that Sir William 
de Tracy built “ The Chantry of St. Thomas,” yet it 
is by no means improbable that the Chapel was founded 
by some branch of the family*, at a subsequent period. 

“ lengthways from West to East; but rather broader at one end 
“ than the other ; the West end being the broadest; the northern 
“ side of it is occupied by some armorial bearings consisting of 
“ three escutcheons:—one containing three lions passant gardant; 
" —a second three bends; —and the third a saltire —and several 
“ plain little gothic arches in relief, enclosing, under each arch, the 
€t remains of a sculptured figure, seemingly intended to represent 
“ some female Saint. On the opposite, or south side, are several 
“ small gothic arches, also in bold relief, and in various patterns of 
“ gothic ornament. At the head, or western end of the tomb, is a 
“ defaced sculpture of Christ on the cross, between two other figures. 
“ The eastern end, or foot of the monument, is now plain; perhaps 
“ it once had a sculpture which has been entirely defaced. On the 
“ top of all is a larger oblong slab of grey stone, or marble, bordered 
“ on the western and southern sides by an inscription, supposed to 
“ be in Lombardic letters. Many of these are totally obliterated ; 
“ but from the remainder the reader may pretty plainly trace 
“ something about a de Tracy : antiquarians read it 

* 

“ ‘ SYRE WM. DE TRACY, 

“ ‘ MAY I FIND MERCY!' 

“ The rest of the slab is covered with an m-sculptured outline, 
“ (now rather indistinct) of the figure of a man robed, and bearing 
“ something in his hand, said to be a chalice; perhaps an hourglass 
“ may be as good a supposition.” 

* Two of the de Tracvs were Lords of Barnstaple.—(See descent 
of Manor.) 


48 


His relatives would be naturally desirous to dosomething 
that might atone for the foul deed by which the 
name of de Tracy had been stained ; and in no way 
could they better do this, in conformity to the reigning 
superstition of the day, than by the endowment of a 
religious edifice; but especially of one consecrated to so 
popular a saint and martyr as Thomas-a-Becket*. 


ALL-HALLOWS CHAPEL. 

The Chapel of All-Hallows, or All-Saints, stood 
immediately over the North Gate. Its place is now 
occupied by a room built about sixty years since, and 
appropriated as a school-room for the boys belonging 
to the Charity School .—(See Charities.) I have met 
with no particulars respecting the ancient building, nor 
can I state how or when it came into the hands of the 
Corporation, whose property it appears to have been 
previous to the erection of the school-room. 


ST. MARY AND ST. NICHOLAS CHAPEL. 

The earliest mention I have found made of this 
Chapel, occurs in the ninth year of Henry the Sixth, 
(1430) when “ Henry Piers and Walter Holmore” are 


* Ojie hundred thousand pilgrims have been registered at a time 
iu Canterbury, and £954 Gs. 3d. was in one year offered at the 
Archbishop’s shrine, whilst at the Virgin Mary’s only £4 Is 8 d., 
and at “ God’s Altar ” nothing was deposited. Louis the Seventh 
of France made a pilgrimage to the tomb, and “ bestowed on the 
“ shrine a jewel, which was esteemed the richest in Christendom.” 


* 


49 


noticed as “ wardens of St. Mary and St. Nicholas 
“ Chappie near the Strande,” which shews it to have 
been then used as a place of worship. The building 
was purchased from the Crown in December 1550, by 
the Mayor and Corporation, subject to the payment of 
3s. 5c?. per annum. It appears to have been almost 
immediately appropriated to its present use*, that of a 
warehouse for goods imported, which, from the owners 
not being residents, or from any other cause, may 
require to be placed under the custody of the “ Quay 
“ Master” or wharfinger. 

The building is of rough stone ; but from the solidity 
of its structure, although perhaps the most ancient, it 
bids fair to vie in duration with every modern erection 
in the town. 


st. ann's chapel. 

An account somewhat different from that furnished 
by Leland (See page 44) is given of this Chapel, but 
without any authority being quoted, in the periodical 
work already referred to :— 

“ The Chapel of our lady, in the church-yard of 
« Barnstaple, in which were two charities (a misprint 
“ for Chauntries) ; one founded by Thomas Holman, 
“ Vicar of Barnstaple, valued at seven pounds a 
“ year; and the other called St. James’s Charity 
“ (Chauntry), founded by Robert Redmyn, and valued 

* Wyot speaks of it in 1590 under its present designation—the 
Quay Hall.—( See Chron. Record.) 

H 


50 


“ at <£10 18s. 1 d. per annum; of which <£5 were 
“ allowed to a priest, and the remainder appropriated 

to repairs, and the relief of the poor.” 

The designation of the Chapel as that of our lady,” 
or St. Mary, is certainly an error*; how far the rest 
of the account may be correct, I cannot determine. 

The earliest memorandum I have met with relative 
to this property, occurs in the third year of the reign 
of Edward the Sixth (1549), May 3rd, in which year 
fC Nicholas and Roger Prideaux granted Chauntry 
“ and Lands of St. Ann’s Chapel to Henry Cade and 
“ others.” The 20th of January, in the following 
year, “ St. Ann’s Chauntry and Chapel ” was sold to 
the Mayor and Corporation of Barnstaple, who, with 
becoming liberality, granted the use of it for a place of 
worship to a number of French protestants, who, having 
fortunately escaped with their lives from the sanguinary 
persecution that followed the revocation of the edict of 
Nautz, in 1685, came to this town*]*, and took up their 


* That the Quay Hall was St. Mary and St . Nicholas' Chapel, 
which we have already seen was “ near the Strande,” there can be 
no doubt; it came into the hands of the Corporation under that 
title, about the same time that we find them purchasing “St. Ann's 
“ Chantry and Chapel .” 

+ A friend has furnished me with the following narrative, 
communicated by an aged gentleman, still living in London:— 
“ His ancestors were amongst those who left Rochelle in a small 
“ crowded vessel, in the height of the protcstant persecution ; they 
were tossed about in wretched blowing weather for a long time; 
“ at length they found themselves in the Bristol Channel. They 


51 


abode here. Divine service continued to be performed 
in the French language, as late as the middle of the 
past century; the last officiating minister was a Dr. 

sailed over the bar, up the river*, and landed on the Quay, at 
Barnstaple, on a Sunday morning, during Divine service. In their 
miserable destitution they ranged themselves in the Market 
House; the inhabitants, when they came out of Church, flocked 
to see the poor refugees ; an old gentleman” (would his name had 
been recorded!) “ took two of them home with him to dinner, and 
“ recommended his fellow townsmen to follow his example; thus, 
“ in a few minutes, they were all distributed throughout the town. 
“ Many of them in a little time received remittances from their 
“ correspondents in London, and left the place ; ” among whom 
were the ancestors of the individual from whom this account was 
derived ; they were named Le Pine. The following are the names 
of some of the persons who became residents here, many of whose 
descendants are still living in the town and neighbourhood, some in 
affluence, and some in receipt of a stipend paid them by our 
Government, but which, it is understood, is to cease on the demise 
of the persons now enjoying it:— 

MONS. DE RUE 
MOKS. DE LA TOUR 
MONS. DU BARRY 
MONS. MOUNIER 

The inhabitants were no losers by the generous sympathy they 
exercised towards the refugees, some of whom introduced an 
improved mode of dying cloth, and so much did Barnstaple excel in 
the art, “ that the merchants of Exeter, for a long series of years, 
“ constantly sent their goods there to be dyed.” 

* It may appear strange that these individuals should, in their destitute 
situation, have passed by Appledore, and so near to Bideford, and yet have 
landed at Barnstaple. There is every probability, that as this town had long 
been engaged in commerce with France, either the vessel in which the 
unfortunate emigrants embarked, had been accustomed to trade to this port, 


MONS. SERVANTE 
MONS. L’OISEAU 
MONS. ROCHE. 



52 


Duncan ; he died about the year 1760. The building 
is now used as a “ Grammar School ” (see Charities., 
under this head) and is denominated The High School. 
Philip Wyot (Chron. Rec. 1608,) says, The Town 
“ of Barnestaple holdeth the Chantry of St. Ann of the 
“ Crown by Soccage, it was bought of Edw d 6, and 
“ some other Lands by that Tenure, for wh c . h by 
“ Composition the Town paid xx* It does not, 

however, appear that any such payment is now made, 
except that already noticed. — (See page 49.) 

According to tradition, there was once a Chapel in 
the narrow passage leading from the Quay, under the 
Custom House, to the back premises of several houses 
in High Street. There is also said to have been one 
behind the residence of Charles Blackmore, Esq. in 
Cross Street (formerly the Globe Inn). That both 
these accounts have the same local reference, is quite 
evident, from the relative situations of the passage and 
house alluded to ; two lines drawn from which, at 
right angles, would cross each other at the distance of 
eighty or a hundred feet. There are, however, no 
apparent remains of any religious edifice either on this 
spot, or elsewhere in the town, except those already 
pointed out. 

or that some of the individuals had commercial connexions here. We may 
reasonably suppose that from either of these causes they would be induced to 
shape their course for Barnstaple, and consequently that their arrival here 
was not, as would appear from the above recital, the effect of chance. Wyot 
speaks of “ Shipping ” to and from Rochelle.—Chron. Rec. 1593. 


53 


APPENDIX TO CHAPTER I. 


[A.] 

Containing Extracts relating to Barnstaple (taken from 
the copies published by the Commissioners of Public 
Records), from the following national documents 

Domesday Book.— Transcripts from this interesting work 
are given literally*, and accompanied by a full Latin copy, 
with an English translation. In order to ensure their 
correctness, the two latter have been obtained from the 
Record Office, in the Tower. 

Exon’ Domesday.— Literal Copy.— (From this work, which 
as a county survey, is unique, the account of Devonshire in 
the Conqueror’s Domesday, was compiled. The original is 
still preserved in the Cathedral Library, Exeter.) 

Calendarium InquisitioPost Mortem.— Literal Copy. 
Rotuli Hundredorum, Vol. 1 „ 

Calendarium Rotolorum Patentium . „ „ 

Jones’s Index to the Records, Vol. 1 and 2 „ „ 

It will be seen that many of the quotations from these 
volumes refer to the Manor, Castle, &c. It was not until 
long' since this work had been in progress, that I was aware 
of the existence of these valuable books of reference; but 
having in the course of an anxious, and I may add, 
laborious, search after all that could be gathered, either from 


* As nearly so as was practicable in ordinary type ; the abbreviatory 
characters only are wanting. The same observation is also applicable to 
Exon Domesday , and in a few instances to the other works. 



men or books, which might furnish a Memorial of Barnstaple, 
met with the works, I made the extracts, although more for 
my own gratification than with a view to their publication ; 
since consulting such a number of Records*, and giving 
extracts from them, was of course out of the question, unless 
the “ Memorials ” had been to make their appearance in the 
shape of “ a goodly quarto,” at least. As however, though 
merely indices, they possess considerable interest, I conceive 
it would be doing wrong to suppress them. 

Domesday Book . 

TERRA REGIS—LAND OF THE KING. 

“ Rex habet burgu Barnestaple—Rex. E. habuit. in dnio. 
“ Ibi st intra burgu. xl. burgses. q ix st ext burg. Int oms 
“ regi. xl. sol ad pensu q. epo cstantiensi xx solid ad 
“ numerum . Ibi st xxiii dom uastatee postq rex uenit in 
“ Angliam.” 

Rex habet burgum Barnestaple. Rex Edward us habuit 
in dominico. Ibi sunt intra burgum xl burgenses, et ix sunt 
extra burgum. Inter oinnes reddunt regi xlsolidosad pensu m, 
et episcopo Constantiensi xx solidos ad numerum. Ibi sunt 
xxiii domus vastatse postquam rex venit in Angliam. 

The King has the borough of Barnstaple. King 
Edwaid had it in demesne. There are within the boroiisrh 
forty burgesses, and there are nine without the borough. 
Altogether they render to the King forty shillings *in 
weight, and to the bishop of Constance twenty shillings in 
number. There are twenty-three houses destroyed since 
the King came into England. 

• I presume it is generally understood that copies of such documents are 
only to be procured from the Towel, and that, necessarily, at a very 
considerable expense. 


55 


TERRA. EPI CONSTANTIENSIS—LAND OP THE BISHOP OF 
CONSTANCE. 

“ Ipse eps ht in Barnestaple x burgees redd xlv den 
“ vii dom uastatas 'j dimid v tree q molin redd xx solid 
“ 'l xx solid de csuetud burgensiu regis.” 

Ipse episcopus habet in Barnestaple x burgenses, 
reddentes xlv denarios, et vii domos vastatas, et dimidium 
virgatae terrfe. Et molendinnm reddit xx solidos, et xx 
solidos de consuetudine burgensium Regis. 

The same bishop has in Barnestaple ten burgesses, 
rendering forty-five pence, and seven houses destroyed, 
and half a virgate of land. And the mill renders twenty 
shillings, and twenty shillings of custom of the King’s 
burgesses. 


“ Brai teneb Aluuard T.R. E. \ geldb p dim v tree . Tra 
« e . iiii. car . In dnio . e . i. car "| viii . uilli cu . i. car . 
“ Ibi . v . ac pti . ^ xxx . ac pasturae . tntd siluae. In 
“ Barnestaple un ortus redd . iiii . denar . Olim . x . sol. 
“ modo ual . xx . solid .” 

Brai tenebatur Aluuard tempore Regis Edwardi, et 
geldebatur pro dimidio virgatae terrae. Terra est iiii 
carucatee. In dominio est i carucata, et viii villani cum i 
caruca. Ibi v acrae prati et xxx acrae pasturae et tantundem 
silvce. In Barnestaple unus ortus reddit iv denarios. Olim 
x solidos . Modo valet xx solidos. 



56 


Brai was holden by Aluuard in the time of King Edward, 
and was taxed for half a virgate of land. The land is four 
carucates. In demesne there is one carucate, and eight 
villeins with one plough. There are five acres of meadow, 
and thirty acres of pasture, and as much wood. In 
Barnestaple one garden renders four pence. In time past 
ten shillings. Now it is worth twenty shillings. 


TERRA BALDV1NI VICECOMTIS—LAND OF BALDWIN THE 
SHERIFF. 

“ lde Balduin ht in Barnestaple vii. burgses . q . vi . dom 
“ uastatas . h reddt p annu . vii . solid 'f vi denar.” 

Idem Balduinus habet in Barnestaple vii burgenses efc 
vi domos vastatas. Hii reddunt per annum vii solidos et 
vi denarios. 


The same Baldwin has in Barnestaple seven burgesses 
and six houses destroyed. These render by the year seven 
shillings and six pence. 


“ Kobt, ten. de Balduin in Barnestaple ii. dom. reddt ii 
“ solid” 

Robertus tenet de Balduino in Barnestaple ii domos, 
reddunt ii solidos. 

Robert holds of Baldwin in Barnestaple two houses, and 
they render two shillings. 



57 


TERRA ROBERTI DE ALBEMARLE—LAND OF ROBERT DE 
ALBEMARLE. 

“ Ip se Robt . lit in Barnestaple ii dom uastatas . redd. 
M iiii. denar.” 

Ipse Roberlus habet in Barnestaple duas domos vastatas 
reddentes iiii denarios. 

The same Robert has in Barnestaple two houses destroyed 
rendering four pence. 


EXON* DOMESDAY. 

TERRA BALDVINI V1CECOMITIS INDEVENESIRA. 

“ V Balduin ht. i. mansione que uocat Aiscireuuilla. q 
u tenuit brismar ea die qua rex. E. f u q. m. q reddidit 
“ Gildu p. i. hida. banc posst arare. xii. can*, hanc ten & 
“ Rotbt de bello monte de Vicecomite. Inde lit. R. i. uirga 
“ q ii. carr in dnio. q uillani hnt iii. uirgas q iiii. carr q dim. 
“ Ibi ht R. ix. uillanos. q vi. bord. q ii. seruosq ii. animalia. 
“ q viii. porcos. q c. oues. q xxviii. capras. q ii. mansuras i 
“ bardestaplensi burgo q reddunt p annu ii. sol. q ccc. agros 
" nem culi. q iii. agros pti, q i.” 


DNICAT REGIS AD REGNV PERTINENS I DEVENESCIRA. 

“ V Rex ht. i. burgu q uocat Barnestapla que tenuit, E # 
“ rex ea die q ipse fuit. u. &. m. Ibi ht Rex xl. burgenses 
i( intra burgu. & foras. ix. & isti reddt. xb sol ad pensu regi. 


i 




58 


u 8c xx sol numero epo cstantiensi. & lbi st. xxiii dom 
w uastate. pq. W. rex habuit anglia.” 

Under head of “ Lideforda•” —“ Et si expeditio uadit 
“ p tra 1 p mare reddt tantu de seruitio qgtu Totenais 
“ reddit 1 Barnestapla.” 

Under head of “ Essecestre .”—“ Et qn Expeditio ibat p 
“ tra aut p mare seruiebat ista ciuitas quantu. v. bide tre & 
“ Toteneis. & lideforda. Sc Barnestabla seruiebant quantu 8c 
“ pdicta ciutas.” 

TERRA. EPI CONSTANTIENSIS IN DEVRESCIRA. 

“ lbi ht Eps xl uillanos 8c. xxx. bord. 8c. vi. serous, i. 
“ burgense In barnestapla q reddit xv. den. Sc xiii porcarios 
“ q reddt. xxi porcu 8c xviii animalia. & c. 1. oues. &. x. 
“ agros nemoris. & xx. agros pti. &. c. agros pasque. bee 
“ mans reddit. xxii. lib. & qu. Eps recepit. reddebat. xii 

libras ” 

V Eps ht. i. mans q uocat Brai. q tenuit Ailuuard ea 
M die q rex. E. f. u. &. m. & reddidit gildu p dim uirga. 
“ hanc poss arare. iiii. carr. hanc ten & Drogo de epo. lnde 
fc< lit. D. i. ferlinn. &. i. carr in dnio. & Vill. i. &• i. ortu in 
“ barnestapla q reddit. iiii denarios. & xxiii. oues. ferlinu. 
“ &. i. carr. Ibi bt. D. viii vill; &. iii. animalia. & iiii. pore; 

Sc. xx. caps. 8c xxx. agros nemoris. Sc v. agros prati. Sc xxx. 
‘‘ agros pas cue. bee ual 8c. xx. Sol 8c qu eps recepit ualebat. 
“ v. sol.” 

“ V Eps ht. x. burgenses In barnestapla; q reddt. iii. sol. 

8c ix. denarios 8c vii. dom uastatas. ^ dim uirga tre Sc. v 
“ moledinu q reddit xx. sol. p annu. 8c. xx sol esuetudine 
“ burgensiu. regis.” 


59 


TERRA BALDVINI VICECOMITIS INDEVENESIRA. 

M V Balduin ht. vii burgenses In barnestapla, &. vi. doni 
u uastatas. &. isti burg’enses &. iste dom uastate reddt p 
“ annu. vii. sol & vi. den.” 


CALENDARIUM 

1NQUIS1TIONUM POST MORTEM 

SIVE 

ESC A ET ARUM. 

VOL. I. 

TEMPOR1BUS REGUM HEN. III. ED. I. & ED. II. 


Escaet 9 Inquisitiones Anno 2 0 Edw . /, 

Num r . 

32.—-“ IIenricus de Tracey, Barnstaple burgus,—Barnstaple 
“ baron,—Barnstaple baronia.” 

Anno 15° Edw. /. 

9.—“ Mauricius de la Barre, Barnestaple terr’ & tenement.” 
Anno 25° Edw. I. 

11 —*1 Matilda de la Barre, Le Barre Justa Barnestnple 4 acr’ 
“ terr’, &c.” 

Anno 31° Edw. I. 

126.—“ Prior et Convent* de Berdstai>le, Berdstaple de advoc* 
“ ecclioe sancti Petri approprianda—Taustoke ecclia.” 





60 


Num r . 


Anno 33® Edw. I, 


66.— “ Will’us de campo Arnulph Berdstapel ManerV' 
Escaet 9 de Anno 2° Edw. II. 

75.—.“Galfr’us de Campvyll Barnstaple burg’extent’ ejusdem.” 


Escaet 9 de Anno l,9o Edw. II. 


FEODA PERTIN* BARON* DE BARNESTAPLE. 


100.—“ Wjll’us Filius Will’i Martyne* Barnoslaple baron . 
“ —Heselle & Hews unum feod’.—Thelebrugge & 
“ Chattemere unmn feod’.—Clotewortby 4 Pars feod’. 
“ — Horton 4 Pars feod’.— Ralegh & Chaldecumbe 
“ unum food’.—Walworth v—Kunemore__Trendeleshoo 
“ —Sevenashe -Pacliehole—Northcote—Cambescote 
“ & Bridewike 5 feod’.—Crakeweye 3 Part’ feod’— 
“ Cliftracy unum feod'.—Braunford spek dimid* feod’, 
“ —Northecote prioris dimid’feod.— Coriton unum 
“ feod’.— Ulneleghey 4 part’ feod’.— Aylerdesford, 
“ 20 part’ feod’.—Boy Parva dimid’feod'.—Peddehull 
“ dimid’ feod — Winmersham unum feod’ in com’ 
“ Somerset.—Nether Exe unum feod’.— Chaggeford 
Ct unum feod’— Milford, — Northrissell. — Thorne.— * 
41 Roude.—Kymworth & Newlond 2 feod’. 



* Including the possessions here enumerated, which all belonged to the 
Barony of Barnstaple, two hundred and forty distinct properties, among 
which are many Manors, are mentioned as being held by this individual. 
The first entry (the only one in English) is a curious one 

“ London’ un’ gardin’ & 7 shope in Shoe Lane in warda de ^ 


‘ Farindone extent’. 


| London,'* 


61 


VOL. II. 

TEMPORE REGIS EDWARDI [I . 

Escaet ’ de anno primo Edwardi Tercii, 

Num T . r J 

40.—“ Nich’us Martyn Barnestapel maner’.” 

S2 .—“ Ph»us de Columbarijs et alianora uxor ejus pro Lodowico 
“ de Kemeys psona eccl* de Combemartyn Barnestaple 
“ Maner’.” 

Anno Sexto Edwardi HI, 

14.— “ Phillipus de columbarijs et alianora ux* ejus pro quodam 
“ cappellano Barnestaple 40s. redd’ exeunt’ de quodam 
“ furno (Jundo !) ibm.” 

Anno Decimo Sexto Edwardi III, 

44.—“ Hicus de Mertone Snitecombe un’ caruc* terr’ &c. ut 
“ de honore & Castro de Bernastaple.” 

50. —“ Phillipus de Columbarijs Barnestaple maner’.” 

51 —“ Alionora uxor Phi*, de Columbarijs Barnstaple maner.” 

Anno Decimo Octavo Edwardi 111, 

33—“ Nich*us d’Audeleye pro Kico Hody Barnestaple Maner 5 
“ remanent eidem Nicho.” 

100.—“ Burgenses de Barnestaple, Barnestaple burgus diverse 
“ libertates et privilegia ibm.” 

Anno Vicesimo Edwardi IIL 

58.— “ Jacobus de Audeleye feoffavit Hugonem de Newehalle 
“ capellanum & al* Barnestapel Maner’; reinanet eidem 
“ Jacobo.” 


62 


Escaet 9 de anno vicesimo quinto Edwardi HI, 

Num r . 

30 .—' a Joh'es de Stonford pro certis cAPELLANis. Bremrigge 
“ maner’ ut de Baron’ de Barnestaple ; reman’ eidem 
“ Join.” 

Escaet 9 de anno tricesimo tertio Edw, Ill, 

17. —“ Jacobus de Audeleye de Heleye feoffayit Hugonem de 
“ Newehall p»sonam eccl»ie de Southmolton Barnestaple 
“ Maner’ ; reman’ eidem Jacobo,” 

Escaet 9 de anno tricesimo quarto Edw, Ill, 

25 .—“ Jacobus D’Audeleye feoffavit Hugonem de Newehall 
“ P’sonam eccl’ie de Southmolton, Barnestaple baronia 
“ reman’ eidem Jacobo.” 

Escaet 9 de anno quinquagesimo primo Edw, Ilf, 

6.—“ Hugh de Courteney comes Devon’. — Barnestapel 
“ Castrum de.” 


VOL. III. 

TEMPORIBUS REGUM RIC. II. & HEN. IV. 

Escaet 9 de anno primo Ricardi Secundi, 

68.—“ Rad’us de Willemere Barnastaple 4 Acr’. terr’, &c.” 

Escaet 9 de anno Quarto Ricardi Secundi, 

26.— Thomas Filius et heres Simonis Flemmyng nuper Baro 
“ DE Slane Hautebray maner’ ut de lionore de 
t( Barnestaple. -Barnestaple burgus quedam reddit’, 
« &c.” 




63 


„ . Escaet ’ de anno Nono Ricardi Secundi. 

Nub. 

32.—“ Nigellus Loringe ch*r et Margaretta Uxor ejus — 

“ Barnestaple 10s. reddit’ vocat Hogesfee.” 

Escaet' de anno Duodecimo Ricardi Secundi, 

183.—“ Joh’Es Blake de Loddeford de tenis suis forisfact 
“ Barnestaple castrum.” 

Escaef de anno Decimo-tertio Ricardi Secundi. 

31.— “ Joh’es Filius et Heres Will’i de Luscote— Barnstaple 
“ castrum.” 

Primo Pars escaet ’ de anno Decimo Quinto Ricardi Secundi . 

16. —“ Margaretta Uxor Hugonis de Courtenay nuper comitis' 

“ Devon’— Barnstaple Castrum.” 

54.—“ Joh’es Paulet ch*r et Margaretta uxor ejus— Barnestaple 
“ castrum.” 

Escaet ’ de anno Decimo Octavo Ricardi Secundi . 

26. —“ Thomas filius et heres Joh»is Kayle — Barnestaple 
“ castrum.” 

Escaet ’ de anno Vicesimo Ricardi Secundi. 

17, Will’Us de Courtenay nuper archiep’us Cantuar* — 
« Barnestaple castrum.” 

Escaet * de anno Vicesimo Primo Ricardi Secundi. 

23.- “ Elizabetha Uxor Fulconis Fits .Warren ch»r — 
« Barnestaple castrum.” 

Escaet ’ de anno Quinto Henrici Quarti. 

30, —« Thomasia uxor Joh»is Chichestr’— Barnestaple Maner’ 
i( in Com. Devon Somerset, Ralegh maner juxta 
“ Barnstaple ut de manerio de Barnstaple—Barnstaple 
“ maner’.” 


64 


Escaet ’ de anno Septimo Henrici Quarti. 

Num T * 

55. -Robertus de Harrington Chivaler — Barnstaple reddit’ 
“ in burgo de Brendon mailer*.” 

Escaet * de anno Octavo Henrici Quarti . 

66.—“ Will’us Beamond Aishwater quarta pars unus feodi 
“ militis ut de castro de Barnstaple — Barnstaple 
" divers’ mess*, &c.” 

Anno Nono Regis Henrici Quarti. 

36. “ Fulco Fitswarin’filius et heres Fulconis Fitz Waryn 

“ chivaler— Barnstaple castr’.” 


ROTULI HUNDREDORUM 


TEMP. HEN. III. & EDW. I. 

IN TURK’ LOND’ 

ET 

IN CURIA RECEPTEE SCACCARIJ WESTM. ASSERVATI. 
VOL. I. 


Devon, Edio . 1. 

“ INQUISITIONES facte p pceptu dni Regis in com’ 
“ Devon’ de’ jurib’ & libtatib* dni Regis subtract is & excessis 
“ vicecom’ coron’ escaet’ & alio’ ballivo’ dni Regis quo’cumq’ 
“ alio’ ballio’ quoquomodo dnm Regem spectantib’ anno 
t( regni Regis E. t’cio.” 





65 


c 


VERED ’CM BURGI DE BAUNESTABLE. 

u Jur’ Robtus Horbert, Benedcus de IaPille, Silrestr’ de 
“ Fursill, Nichus Peytenin, Hear’ Wytloc, Robs Rypan, Jobs 
“ Petyt,conselI Ricus de Pilton, Ricus Cissor, Thom’ Bylbe, 
u Benedcus le Cuyt, & Alex’ le Teynturer, dicut sup sacrin 
4t suu Quot & que dnica mania &c. iiichil 

u Dicunt qd Galfrus de Canvill tenet pdem burgum de 

Barnestable cumcastellode dnoRegein capite pdecensuni 
“ Matild ux’ pdci Galfri que est lies Ilenr’de Tracy p sviciu 
“ duo’ militu vel q a tuo’ armigo’ cu loric’ capell ferreis & 
u lancea qn dns Rex vadit in exccitu p xl dies ad custum 
“ pdci Galfri Et istud sviciu fecit p pdco burgo & castello 
u & p membr’ ptin’ ad dcm burgu scilt Fremyngton Tavstok 
44 Nemet & Bovy Et ita tenuut antec’ pdce Matild de Reg’ 
44 Angl a tempe coquestus Willi le Bastard’ Et idem 
44 Galfrus ht assiam panis & cvis’ furkas & tumbrell & Pillor’ 
“ a conqueslu pdco Et ide Galfrus tenet pdcm burgum cu 
44 mbr’ pdcis p baron’ de dno Rege Et ptiuent ad pdcum 
44 burg’ lij feed mil it* Et est pdcs burg cu mbr capd 
44 baron’ sue.” 

44 D’ vie capientib’ &c.” 

44 Dicut Rogus Pridyas dum fuit vie’ cepit de hoibus dci 
44 burg’ xls. p hidag’ faciend cont a libtatem dci burgi ubi 
44 nucq a bvdag’ face solebant & anteq a pacem hre possent fine 
44 fecunt cu pdco vie’ p pdcos xls.” 

44 Dnt & qd idem Rogus dum fuit vie’ fenuit t r nu suu 
44 pluries p annu ubi'semel tene debuit p annu & amciavit 
44 hoies ad voluntate suam & injuste.” 

44 Dnt & qd prior de Frompton bt wreccum inaris & teolon’ 

i 


66 


“ in manio suo de Norh a m & hoc de novo & cap' teolon’ de 
“ hoib’ pdci burgi mjuste ad g a ve dampnu pdci.burgi q° 
44 war’ ignorant.” 

“ De cetis cap’ nichil sciut In cuj rei testimoniu sigilia 
44 pdco’jur huic inq* scoi sut appoita.” 

“Iadorso.” « Bur tie Barnestable.” 

VfiREDICTU'HUNDR’ DENORTAUET*. 

44 Dicut quod Nimet T a ci tenet r in capite de dno Reg’ quasi 
“ mebru ptines ad baroniam Barnastapol & valet p ann’ x 
44 lib a s cu advocacone ecce.” 


VEREDICTO* H U N D R * I DE TE YN GEB RUG 6». 


RICUS DE BABECUMBE 
WILLUS HUGI1ET0N 
RICUS GAYER 
RICUS DE GATEPATHE 
JOHNES DE YVYTEWEYE 
ROBTUS CRESPIN 


ROBTUS DE YVREY 
RICUS DE YVREY 
ANDR’ DE HALGHEWAL 
WILLUS DE IIUGHETON JUNIOR 
WILLUS LE MARSCIIALL 
MATHS DE CHYTELESBER 5 . 


44 Dicut ([' Galffr’ de Kaunville & Matill ux’ ejus tenent 
44 di feod q’rtarn pte & xxm a ’ ptem feod uni milil’ in Suthbovy 
44 ptinens ad baron’ suam de Bardestaple.” 


BARON* DE BARNESTAP*. 


44 Thom’ de Chageford ten’ villa de Chageford & de 
44 Teyngcomb’ p hornag’ & svico de Galfro de Canvile Galfrs 
44 de Reg’ & sut ij feod.” 

44 Wills le Espee ten’ villa de Bramford Spec de Hugon' 
44 de Cortenay p liomag’ & svico & secta cur’ & Hug’ de 
44 Galfro de Canvile Galfrus de Reg’ &est di feod Morteyn.” 



67 


4t Johs Pycot ten’ villain de Rewe de Elena de Gorg' 
M Elena de Jolie de Blakeford & idm de Gal fro de Ganvile 
u idm G. de Rege & est j feud.” 

“ de Carnpo Arnulphi ten’ villain de Covelegh de 

“ Johe de Blakeford p homag’ & svieo & idm de Galfro de 
“ Canvile Galfris de Reg’ & est q a rta ps feod.” 


CALENDARIUM 

ROTULORUM PATENT1UM* 

IN TURRI LONDINENSI. 


Secunda Patent' de Anno 14° Regis Edwardi Tertij. 

M«mbr. 

7. Pro Priore de Barnestaple.” 

Prima Patent ’ de Anno 17° R . E . T. A Tergo . 

20. —“ Dors’ pro Burgens’ de Barnestable.” 

Prima Patent 9 de Anno 18° i?. E. T. A Tergo . 

21. —“ De inquirendo de libertat' villse de Barnstable.” 

* “It may be proper to observe, that as this Calendar, though entitled to 
“ great merit, is only a selection, various entries appear on the Patent Rolls, 
“ which are not here described ; and therefore, though this work will be 
“ found to yield abundant information, no one is to be deterred from an 
“ examination of any record referred to elsewhere, as being on the Patent 
° Roll, because it is not to be discovered here. ”— Preface , by th* 
Commissioners , to Calen. Rot. Pat. 





68 


Prima Patent ’ cle Anno 12° Regis Ricardi Secundi. 

Membr. 

27.—“ Pro Decano Ebor’. 

“ Rex concessit Johni de Holland fratri suo Comiti 
“ Huntingdon et Elizabeth* uxori ejus et hsered’ de 
“ corpore Elizabetbce procreat’ septigentas marcas 
“ annuas exeunt' de certis custumis.” 

“ Rex in valore bis mille raarcarum per annum una 
“ cum septingenP marc is prout supra dedit Joh 
“ Comiti Huntingdon et hoeredibus masculis de 
“ corpore suo et de corpore diet* Elizabeth* 

“ procreat’ manerium de Ardington ac manerium 
“ vocat’ Filberdscourt in Esthanny quae nuper 
“ fuerunt Alicice Perrers et Regi forisfact’ villain 
“ de Northwich in com’ Cestri* terr’ et dominium 
“ de Hope et Hopedale in Wallia et quendam 
“ redditum 11. 6s. Sd. de exit’ terr’ de Couuimershe 
“ maneria de Blakedon Ludford et Staunden juxta 
“ Dunsterdon in Somers’ maneria de Boveytracey 
“ Barnstable Cumbemarlyn Femyngton Northlien 
“ Holdesworthy Langacre Southmolton in com’ 
“ Devon’ maner’ de Takebere in Cornubia qu* 
“ fuerunt Jacobi D’Andlegh de Helegh maner’ de 
“ Torington et Cokerington in Devon’ nuper Johnis 
“ Cary attincti ac manerium de Haselebeare in 
<c Somerset per servitia debita.” 

Secunda Patent ’ de Anno 17° Ricardi Secundi. 

37.—“ Quod burgenses vill* de Barnestaple quce est de 
“ antiquo dominico coron* Regis sint quieti de 
“ tbeloneo &c. per totum regnum.”. 

Secunda Patent de Anno 17° Rex Edwardi Quarti. 

20.—“ Arnpl’ exempl’ libertat’ pro burgensibus de Barnes- 
“ taple e recordis infra turr’ London’ existen’.” 


69 


Prima Patent’ de Anno 2° Regis Henrici Quarti. 

Mcmbr. 

1. —“ Ricus Lercedeken tenet de Rege per servic’ milk’ 

44 ut de castro de Barnestable. n. 1.” 

Prima Patent ’ de Anno 17° R. E. T. 

27. — 44 Can tar’ infra castrurn de Barnastable.” 

Secun . Pat. de Anno 13° R . E. T. 

15.— 44 De escambio inter Priores de Pilton et de Bar- 
44 nestable.” 

Prima Patent 9 de Anno 14° R. E. T—A Ter go. 

2. - 44 Pro burgensibus de Barnestable in com’ Devon’ ac 

44 de libertatibus suis eis concess’ per Athelstanum 
44 Regem.” 

Prima Pars Patent ’ de Anno 2° Regis Ricardi Secundi. 
38.— 4t Priori de Barnestable manumisit Petro de Gorewell 
44 viilanum suum per R. confirmaf.” 


INDEX TO RECORDS,* 

CALLED 

THE ORIG1NAL1A AND MEMORANDA, 

ON TIIE LORD TREASURER’S REMEMBRANCER'S SIDE OF THE EXCHEQUER. 

VOL. I. 


44 Originalia Tempore Regina Elizabetile Barnes- 
u taple (Burgi) Incorporatio, in Com. Devonioe. 2 Pars 
44 Original. Anno 38, Rot. 11.” 

* The following Extract from the Preface to this Vol. deserves particular 
attention. The observations here made apply with equal foice to the whole 





70 


“ Originalia Tempore Regis Jacobi I. Barnestaple 
“ Burgensibus, Libertafes confirmatse, in Com. Devon. 3 
“ Pars Original. Anno 9. Rotulo 26.” 

“ Barnestaple Majori & Burgensibus, Concessio Liber- 
“ tatum, in Comitatu Dorset. 3 Pars Original. Anno 8. 
“ Rotulo 59.” 

" Originalia Tempore Regis Jacobi IT, Barnstaple 
“ Aldermani & Burgenses incorporati, in Com. Devoniae. 
“ 2 Pars Original. Anno 4. Rotulo 15/’ 


VOL. 11. 

MEMORANDA. 

“ Barnestaple. Pro Parte Baronia in Comitatu Devonian. 
“ Hilarii Fines, 2 Ed. III. Rot.-” 

of the works having reference to Documents preserved in the Record 
Office :— 

“ The Records of this country, in their various repositories, in point of 
‘‘ antiquity, preservation, correctness, authority, and extent of information, 
“ we may say with confidence, exceed those of any other country whatever; 
“ and all persons who have been introduced to a knowledge of their nature 
“ and importance, have been astonished that matters of such consequence, 
“ as well to the public at large as to the individuals, should exist in ou r 
“ public offices, which are always accessible, without being more generally 
“ known and understood. 

“ To consider our public Records in their various points of view, we not 
“ only find it absolutely necessary that the general historian should glean his 
“ information from them, but we find also that to the topographical historian 
“ they are the very essence of his work. 

“ These Records are of that vast extent, and contain such necessary and 
“ useful information, and such imiliifaiious matter, that we caD, with almost 
“ nioral certainty, find a considerable portion of Record evidence relative to 
“ all, even the smallest, denomination landed property, throughout the 
“ whole kingdom, and proportionally more relative to towns and places of 
“ not e,"—Preface to Jones's Index to Public Records, p. p. 3 t? 4. 




71 


" A Grant to Thomas Evingham, of the Castle and 
" Borough of Barnestaple , in Cora. Devoniee Original. 
“ 1 Ric. III. Rot. 83.” 

“ Majori & Burgensibus, ibid.” 

“ Finis solutus pro Confirmatione Libertatuni. Original. 
“ 3 Hen. VIII. Rotulo. 92.” 

“ Burgenses incorporati ac de Libertatibus eis concessis. 
“ I Pars Original. 3 & 4 Phil. & Marios, Rotulo 43.” 

“ Note, Vide Originalia for the Charters of Queen Eliz . 
“ and King James I. that of 9 Janies T. being an 
“ Inspeximus, recites Charters as far back as K. John.” 


[A.4.] 

Extracts relating to Barnstaple , being literal copies 
from the following national works , as published by the 
Commissioners of Public Records :— 

Placita de Quo Warranto 
Rotulorum Originalium, Vol. 1 and 2 
Testa de Nevill 

Placitum in Domo Capit. Westm. Asservatorum 
Calendarium Rotulorum et Inquisitionem ad Quod 
Damnum. 


PLACITA DE QUO WARRANTO 


TEMFOR1BUS EDW. I. II. & III. 

IN CURIA RECEPTEE SCACCARII WESTjVf. ASSERVATA. 


“ Galfridus de Caunvle suin’ fuit ad respond duo 
“ Regi de plito quo war’ clam hre visum f u nci plegii furc’ 






72 


<c emend assie panis & cviV f a cte in Bovy T a cy que ad 
“ Coron’ dui Reg’ ptinent sine lie &c.” 

“ Et Galfridus venit et dicit qd ipe tenet maner de Bovy 
“ Tracy p legem Angl de her’ Willi M a tini sine quo no 
“ pot’ iude dno Regi respondere qui modo venit p sum’ & 
“ respond siml cum predco Galfro & dicunt qd maner’ de 
“ Bovy T a cy est quod dam membru.” 

“ Barone ipius W~illi de Bardestaple ad quod pdee lib 
“ ptinent” 

“ Et dicunt qd omes antec’ ipi Willi a tempe quo no 
“ exstat memor’ usi sunt predcis libtatib’. Et eo war’ 
“ clam’ ipe lire libtates predcas. Et quia nllm aliud inde 
“ ostend warrantu Io ad judm. Et dat est eis dies coram 
“ dno Rege a.” 

" Ad Jud'm die Pascli in unu mensem ubicumq, &c. 
“ de audo judo suo &c. Rot. 41. d.” 

“ Idem Galfrs sum’ fuit ad r’ dno Regi de plito quo war’ 
tl clang* lire visu f a nci pleg’ furc’ tumbellu Sc emend assie 
“ panis & evis f a cte in Bardestaple sine lie’ &c. 

“ Et Galfrs sunt cum predco Willo ven’ et dicunt qd 
“ Bardestaple est apud Baroniam pdei Willi ad quod huj 
<4 mod ilibtates ptinent. Et qd omes antec pdei Willi a 
“ tempe quo no exstat memor’ usi sunt predcis libtatib’.” 

“ Et eo war’ clam’ prodcis lib. Et q nllm aliud ostend 
“ war’ Io ad judm. Et dat est eis dies coram dno Rege a 
“ die Pasch in unu mensem ubicuq &c. de audo judo 
“ Ad jud’m Rot. 41. d.” 


suo. 


73 

ROTULORUM ORIGINALIUM 

[IV CURIA SCACCARII ABBREVATIO. 

VOL. I. 

TEMPORIBUS REGUM HEN. III. ED. I. & ED. II. 

In Origin ’ cle anno R , E . jiV R. E . xix Q . 

Extract ’ Clausar\ 

u R. assignavit Pho de Columbariis & Alianore nx’ ejus 
“ sorori & un’ hedum Willi fil’ Willi Martyn manium de 
“ Coumbe Martyn cum ptin’ in com’Devon’ qd xxxvj^ xviij* 
“ iij<* q’ inanium de Bernestaple cum ptin’ in eodem com’ qd 
“ ad xxvj^ xj* vij rf obq’ inanium de Holne cum ptin' in 
“ eodem com’ qd ad xix 11 ix d ob’ quasdam tras & quedam 
“ ten’ in civitate Exon’ in eodem coin’ q’ ad xij y ix<* inanium 
de Haldesworth cum ptin’ in eodem com’ q’ ad xxx 11 xv* 
n vj d ob’ manium de Southmolton cum bundredo forinseco 
" de Southmolton et cum redditu de West-Ansti & Yest- 
“ Ansti cum ptin’ in eodem coin’ q’ ad xxviij w ij, x d q’ et 
“ manium de Fremyngton cum ptin’ in eodem com’ qd ad 
“ cxxix^ xvj 5 iij d q’ extendunt’ p ann’ bend’ p partem ipsius 
“ Alianore, &c. Ita tamen qd pdci Plis et Alianora durante 
minore estatis Jacobi de Audelegb consanguinei & altius 
** beredum pdci Willi infra etatem & in custodia R. 
<< existensis solvat R. p ann’ vij’ q qui ex cedunt, &c. cepit 
“ fidelitatem, &c. Et ideo &c. Ro. 23.” 


YOL. II. 

ED WARD 1 TERTII. 

In Orig ’ de anno ij do R» E . ///. 

Grossi Fines. 

“Pbusde Columbariis finem fecit p centum marcas p 
« lie’ bend’ feoffandi Lodewycum de Kemmeys psonaui 


L 




74 


“ ecclie tie Combe Martyn & Rogm tie Braduicbe psonam 
“ ecclie tie Berewyk tie maniis tie Fremyngton Bamestaple 
“ Combe Martyn & Holme ac aliis iris q’ &c. Ro. 23.” 

In Orig ’ de anno r, r. Edtoardi t'cii post conquestum xiiij. 

“ R. p bono s’vicio, &c. concessit Thome Crosse custodiam 
44 prioratuum de Craswell Cowyk Barnestaple Oteryngton 
“ Totteneys Tuardrayth & Moddebury ac loco’ tra’ tene- 
“ mento’ & reddituum quo’cumq, ad eosdem prioratus 
“ spectancium q’ &c. bend’ qmdiu, &c. reddo inde R. p ann’ 
** ad seem R. vel alibi ad mandatum R. p quolibet prioratuum 
“ pdeo’ videlt p dco prioratu de Craswell sexdeeim marcas & 
“ p pdeo prioratu de Cowyk sexaginta marcas & p pfato 
“ prioratu de Bernestaple decern marcas & pdeo prioratu de 
“ de Oteryngton centum libr’ & p pfato prioratu de Totteneys 
t6 quadraginta marcas & p dco prioratu de Tuardrayth 
u quadraginta & quinq libr’ necnon p pdeo prioratu Modde- 
“ bury sexdeeim marcas, &c. et inveniendo, &c. sal vis R, 
“ feodis militum, &c. Ro. 4.” 

Grossi Fines de Anno regni R . Edicardi t’cii post conques¬ 
tum videl’t Anglie quartodecimo fy Franc’ primo, 
Rotul’ Vascon 102, 103, 104, 105, 106. 

“ E. m. mon’ R. Simon fiP Baldewini Flemmyng qd cum 
“ ipe in cur’ R. apud Westm’ recupasset seis’ suam v' 
“ Tbomam atte Barre de duab’ acris cum ptin’in Barnestaple 
p consideracoem, &c. Ro. 116,” 


PLAC1TORUM IN DOMO 

CAPITULARI W'ESTMONASTERIENSI ASSERVATORUM ABBREVATIO, 

TEMPORIBUS REGUM RIC. I. JOHANN. HENR. III. EDW. I. EDW II. 

REGIS RICARDI PRIMI. 

Anno Sexto Regni Regis Ricardi Primi . 





75 


Placita apud Westmonasterium a die Scincti Micliaelis 
itl 15 m dies. 

Devon’. 

“ Willus de Brahost ponit loco suo, &c. vsus Olivum de 
<6 Traci de porcone sua de lionore de Barstaple qm idem 
“ Olivus ei deforciat, &c, rot. 6.” 

PCita de Termino Pasche de Termino S’ee Trinitat 9 
Anno Regni Rs . Johannis Primo . 

(S Willus de Breus petit vsus Olivu de Traci qd teneat ei 
“ fine feum int eos in cur Rs de mediatate Honor de 
** Bardestaple sedu cyrographu feum int eos, &c. rot. 5.” 


TESTA DE NEV1LL 

SIVE 

LIBER FEODURUM 

IN CURIA SCACCARII 

TEMP. HEN. III. & EDW. I. 


u Nomina eo’ qui tenent feoda militaria in comitatu 
** Devon’ & de quib’ ipi tenent.” 

« Feoda Henrici de 1 racy de honore de Barnestapoe. 
“ Inquisitio dominico’ tenemento’ & feoffamento’ dni Reg’ 
H vel antecesso’ suo’ in Devonia.’’ 

“ Peirus filius Herbti tenet Berdestapl’ com feodo xv 
“ milit de dono dni Reg’J. que fuit Willi Brause s’ nescit’ 
p quod servicium.” 





76 


CALENDARIUM 

ROTULORUM CHARTARUM 

ET 

INQUISITIONUM AD QUOD DAMNUM. 


27° Edw. III. 
rob’tus bowe.* 

“ Dedit fr’ibus heremitis de ordine sci Augustini ad 
“ eccliam at cetas domos in Barnestaple de novo 
construend’ quandam placeam terre in villa predicta 
“ continentem quinque acr’ &c\” 


[B.] 

A Tabled showing at one vieic , how many Pounds , 
Shillings , and Pennies , have been coined out of a Pound 
of Silver y at different times in England. 


“ Whatever the division of money may have been in 
“ England in the Anglo-saxon times, there is no doubt that 
<( it has been the same ever since the Reign of William the 
“ Conqueror, as at present, viz. twelve pennies in a shilling, 
(i which never was a real coin till the year 1504, and twenty 

* The same individual as is mentioned page 32, where the name was 
inadvertently spelt ‘ Rowe.’ 

+ In a work like the present, a Synopsis of the value of the Pound sterling 
at different periods, cannot, it is presumed, be unacceptable. Without such 
a Guide, it would be obviously impossible to form any thing like a correct 
Estimate of the worth of a commodity in former times, by the sum which it 
may have produced. 






77 


“ shillings in a pound, which, though not a real coin, was 
“ a real pound, containing twelve ounces of standard silver, 
“ till the Reign of Edward 1.; from which period the weight 
" of the nominal pound has gradually been diminished, till 
it is now about one third of what it originally was. 


FINE SILVER. ALLOY. 



. 


oz. 

dwt. 

oz. 

dwt. 

£ 

5. 

d. 

Before a. 

d. 1300, a 4 








pound of standard > 

11 

2 

0 

18 

1 

0 

0 

silver i 

contained 









1300 

28 Edw. 

1 

11 

2 

0 

18 

1 

0 

3 

1344 

18 Edw. 

3 

11 

2 

0 

18 

1 

2 

2 

1346 

20 Edw. 

3 

11 

2 

0 

18 

1 

2 

6 

1353 

27 Edw. 

3 

11 

2 

0 

18 

1 

5 

0 

1412 

13 Hen. 

4 

11 

2 

0 

18 

1 

10 

0 

1464 

4 Edw. 

4 

11 

2 

0 

18 

1 

17 

6 

1527 

18 Hen. 

8 

11 

2 

0 

18 

2 

5 

0 

1543 

34 Hen. 

8 

10 

0 

2 

0 

2 

8 

0 

1545 

36 Hen. 

8 

6 

0 

6 

0 

2 

8 

0 

1549 

3 Edw. 

6 

6 

0 

6 

0 

3 

12 

0 

1551 

5 Edw. 

6 

3 

0 

9 

0 

3 

12 

0* 

1551 end of ) a , 

1552 j 6 Edw ■ 

6 

11 

1 

0 

19 

3 

0 

0 

1553 

1 Mary 


11 

0 

1 

0 

3 

0 

0 

1560 

2 Eliz. 


11 

2 

0 

18 

3 

0 

0 

1601 

43 Eliz. 


11 

2 

0 

18 

3 

2 

0 




. 






. . n 


“ and so the money continues to the present time.”— 


Macpherson's Annals of Commerce, 

“ There are three things to be considered wherever a sum 
“ of money is mentioned in ancient times : first, The change 
* 6 of denomination, by which a pound has been reduced to 
* 6 the third part of its ancient weight in silver ; secondly^ 
u The change in value by the greater plenty of money, which 
“ has reduced the same weight of silver to ten times less 
value compared to commodities, and consequently, a 
“ pound sterling to the thirtieth part of the ancient value; 

* The Pound Sterling was thus reduced, in intrinsic value, to about four 
shillings and eight pence of modern money. 


78 


“ thirdly, The fewer people and less industry, which were 
“ then to be found in every European Kingdom.” Our 
author concludes this dissertation by saying, that, “ taking 
“ all circumstances together, we are to conceive every sum 

of money mentioned by historians, as if it were multiplied 
i( more than a hundred fold above a sum of the same 
“ denomination at present.”*- -Hume's History of England’ 
Appendix 1st, 

Bishop Fleetwood, whose work preceded Hume’s by 
about fifty years, furnishes a very different statement of the 
value of money. “ He determined, from a most accurate 
(i consideration of every circumstance, that in 1240, 
“ £4 13s. 9d. was worth about £‘50 of our present money, 
« and that £3, in the Reign of Henrv 6, was equivalent to 
‘‘ £28 or £30 now.”— Ency . Perth. Art. Money. 

Between these very opposite accounts of the comparative 
value of the circulating medium, (perhaps the extremes to 
which calculators have gone,) the reader must be left to 
form his own judgement. 


[O.] 

Extract (copied from the Original) from the Brief held 
by Defendant's Counsel in an Action— William Hiern, 
(Lessee of the Castle Hill , §c.) v. Paul Tucker, 
(Deceiver to the Corporation of Barnstaple,) Charles 
Velley, Jacob Irish, Nicholas Dyer, John Squire, 
and Charles Wright.* 


“ At the West End of the Town of Barnestaple, adjoining 
“ to a navigable River, stands the Mount or Hill, called the 

* The “ Order in Common Council,” to defend the Action, and the 
“ Corporation Warrant of Atty*” to Lewis Gregory, (Town-Clerk,) to appear 





79 


/ 


“ Castle Hill, about fifty-four feet in height,* about thirty* 
“ eight yards in circumference, and about fifty-four feet in 
“ breadth at the Top, whereon anciently a Castlet stood, 
“ but no remains thereof are now left. To ascend to the 
“ Top of this Mount, which is very steep, there is a narrow 
“ Circular Path, as much trod and beaten as any Highway 
<e in England, and where there is a full Prospect of all the 
“ Town, the River, and Country round. This Mount was 
u cast up by art, and round it is a deep Ditch, called the 
“ Castle Ditch, which is enclosed all round, and where time 
“ out of mind hath been Gardens, except on the waster side 
u thereof. Adjoining to this Ditch, on the west side, is a 
44 common sporting-place, called the Castle Green,containing 
•* about half an acre of Ground, which always lay open to 

the Castle Ditch and Hill, till of late years, and through 
44 the said Castle Green, adjoining’to the Ditch, is a common 
44 Foot-path, leading from one part of the Town to the other. 
44 In the Castle Green, Castle Ditch, and on the Castle 
44 Hill, all the Inhabitants of the Town have, time out of 
4< mind, used all manner of recreations, sports, and diver- 
44 sions, and constantly bowled in the said Castle Green, 

for the above-named Defendants, “ in His Majesty’s Court of Common Pleas, 
at Westminster, the next Michaelmas Tt rm,” (both which Documents now 
lie before me,) bear date respectively, July 3,1727, and Oct. 10, 1727. The 
"Brief is without date. 

* This must have been set down at random. The present height of the 
Mount is sixty-five feet, from the level of the Moat, (which is about twelve 
feet lower than the Lawn,) making, with eleven feet taken from the Top 
about ten years ago, by the late Mr. Rothwell, seventy-six feet. Diameter 
at Top, sixty feet. 

The Reduction of so ancient a Mound is perhaps to be regretted ; but tb e 
Premises, in other respects, owe much of their present attractiveness, t 0 
Mr. Rothwtll’s good taste, and liberal expenditure. 

t This is manifestly an error, (such an one, however, as may well be 
excused in a Lawyer’s Brief) : that the Keep was on the eminence is probable 
enough, but we cannot for a moment suppose that an Edifice comprising, 
besides the necessary Fortifications, a suitable Residence, could ever have 
been erected on such a contracted space. 


80 


“ and an Independent Company of the Militia Foot Soldier*? 
(i which belonged to the Town, would upon all occasions 
“ exercise in the said Castle Green, as would always the 
“ King’s Soldiers, when any were quartered in the Town ; 
<< and in the Castle Ditch, Bulls have been baited,* and Butts 
set up to shoot at with bows and arrows, f without any 
« manner of denyall ; and upon all occasions of public 
“ rejoicing, as on the 29th of May, the 5th of November, 
“ proclaiming or crowning of Kings and Queens, obtaining 
“ of Victorys, and also on the first day of July yearly, which 
“ was kept by some antient inhabitants of the Town in 
« remembrance that the Town was on that day delivered 
rt from French & Irish w ch came against it, and also on all 
“ other days of public Rejoicing, Bonfires have constantly 
“ time out of mind, been made on the Top of the said Hill, 
and Drums beating and Great Gunns fired off without any 
“ manner of interruption or denyall; and Boys wo d every 
“ day play on the said Castle Hill, Castle Ditch, and Castle 
“ Green, and the Inhabitants of the Town would constantly 
“ walk there ; and, in short, it is the only sporting place in 
‘‘ the Town, and was more constantly used as such, and by 
M more people, than is the Castle of Exon ; and at our great 
“ Fair in September, which doth last four days, there would 
“ be 200 or 300 people all day playing at bowles, nine 
“ pins, wrestlers, and lookers on, and men, women, and 
“ children, continually walking up and down, sitting and 
“ lying on the Castle Hill, and rolling themselves down 
u from the top to the bottom; and when strangers come to 
“ the Town, (particularly Judge- when at Barnstaple^ 

* This inhuman sport has been long discontinued here, it is hoped for ever 
t This was an ancient and royal pastime. Henry 7th “ Lost to my Lord 
Morging at Buttes, six shillings and four pence and for the same Monarch 
was “ Paid to Sir Edward Boroughe thirteen shillings and four pence which 
the Kynge lost at Buttes with his cross-bow e."—Strutt's Spovts and 
Pastimes, p. 63. 


81 


“ carried there by Sir Nicholas Hooper,) they were generally 
“ shewed up on the Top of the Castle Hill to view the Pros- 
“ pect of the Town, the River, and Country all round; till 
u about 22 years since, Sir Arthur Chichester, who was 
“ Lord of the Soyle of the said Hill, Ditch, and Green, and 
“ had the Pasture of it, having conceived a pique against 
“ the Burgesses of the Town, for not choosing him Member 
“ of Parliament, granted a Lease of the said Castle Hill and 
“ Green to one James Gibbs, for 99 years, determinable on 
“ 3 lives.” 

In the margin of the brief occurs the following:— 
“ Barnstaple a large Town, more than 6000 inhabitants.” 


[D.] 

Grant of Barnstaple Priory , to Lord William Howard , 
and Lady Margaret his Wife . March 9. 29 Hen, VIII, 


“ THE KING to all to whom these presents shall come, 
« greeting. KNOW YE, that we, in consideration of the 
“ good, faithful, and acceptable service which our beloved 
« William Lord Howard heretofore hath done to us, have 
« (riven and granted, and by these presents do give and 
« orant, to the same William Lord Howard, and Lady 
« Margaret, his wife, the House and Site of the late Priory 
« of the Monks of St. Mary Magdalene, of Barnestapoll, 
“ otherwise Barnstaple, in our County of Devon, by the 
« authority of Parliament suppressed and dissolved, and all 

* The Correctness of this translation may be relied on ; but those persona 
who may prefer reading the Grant in the original language, will meet with 
a Latin Copy either in Dugdale’s Monast. or Oliver's Monast. of Devon. 

+ M 




82 


44 the Church, Belfrey, and Churchyard, of the same lata 
44 Priory. And also, all our Messuages, Houses, Edifices, 
44 Granges, Barns, Stables, Dovehouses, Gardens, Orchards, 
44 Lands, and Soil, as well within as without the site, 
44 inclosure, coinpass, circuit, and precinct, of the said late 
44 Priory, being, belonging, and appertaining to the same 
44 late Priory, and being parcel thereof. And also, all those 
* 4 our Manors of Barnestapoll, Pylton, Strechton, and 
44 Ingestowe, otherwise Instow T e, with all their Members 
44 and Appurtenances in the County aforesaid, to the said late 
44 Priory belonging and appertaining. And also, all our 
44 Rectory of the Parish Church of Barnestapoll, with all its 
44 Rights and Appurtenances, in the County aforesaid, to the 
44 said late Priory appropriated, belonging, and appertaining, 
44 and the Advowson, Donation, and Right of Patronage of 
44 the same Church and Vicarage there; and our two Water 
44 Mills, called Port Mills, with their Appurtenances, in 
44 Barnestapoll aforesaid, and Pylton, in the County 
44 aforesaid, to the same late Priory belonging and apper- 
44 taining. And also, all that our Wood called Monkewode, 
44 with the Appurtenances in Marwode; and all our Wood, 
“ called Yernewode, with its Appurtenances, in Pylton; and 
44 all those our Lands and Tenements, with theAppui tenances, 
44 in Ingestowe, in the County aforesaid, to the said late 
44 Priory belonging and appertaining. And also, one 
44 Annuity or Yearly Pension of a Hundred Shillings, issuing 
44 out of the aforesaid Vicarage or Church of Barnestapoll^ 
44 in the County aforesaid, which the Vicar there for the 
44 time being hath been accustomed to pay annually to the 
44 said late Priory ; and one Annuity or Yearly Pension of a 
6i Hundred Shillings, issuing out of the Church or Rectory of 
44 Georgeham, otherwise Ham St. George, in the County 
44 aforesaid, which the Rector there hath been accustomed to 
44 pay annually to the said Priory; and one Annuity or Yearly 
44 Pension of Thirty Shillings, issuing out of the Rectory or 


“ Church of All Saints, of Fremington, in the County afore- 
“ said, which the Rector there hath been accustomed to 
“ pay annually to the said late Priory : and one Annuity or 
“ Yearly Rent of Forty Shillings, issuing out of the Castle 
“ Demesne or Manor or Borough of Barnestapoll, in the 
“ County aforesaid, which hath been accustomed to be paid 
“ to the said late Priory of Barnestapoll ; to be paid at the 
** Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, by the hands of 
“ the Rector, Bailiff, Farmers, or other Occupiers there, for 
“ the time being. And also, all other our Manors, Messu- 
ages, Lands, Tenements, Mills, Meadows, Feedings, 
“ Pastures, Woods, Underwoods, Rents, Reversions, Services, 
“ Annuities, Farms, Fee-Farms, Wards, Marriages, Escheats, 
“ Reliefs, Waters, Ponds, Stews, Warrens, Commons, 
“ Fisheries, Pensions, Portions, Tithes, Oblations, Courts 
“ Leet, Views of Frankpledge, with all things which belong 
“ to Views of Frankpledge, and our other Rights, Jurisdic- 
« tions, Liberties, Possessions, and Hereditaments, what- 
“ soever, as well temporal as spiritual, of what kind, nature, 
“ or species soever they maybe, or by whatsoever names 
« they may be taken or known; with all their Rights, Mem- 
« bers, Appurtenances, and Commodities whatsoever; situate, 
“ lying, and being, in the Towns, Fields, Parishes, or 
“ Hamlets, of Barnestapoll, Pylton, Bradford, Strechlon, 
« Wethrige, Delbrige, Fullyngote, Nethercote, Instowe, 
« Collecote, Marwode, Cride, Georgebam, otherwise Ham 
“ Saint George, West Ansty, Wolley Down, Shyrewell, 
“ Ileawnton Poncherdon, East Hankenden, Berrynarber, 
“ Chalacombe, Langtre, Kyntesbury, Keymelond, Stoke 
« Ryvers, Potyngdon, and Fremyngton, in the County 
“ aforesaid, or elsewhere wheresoever, to the said late Priory 
6t in any manner appertaining or belonging, as fully and 
“ entirely, and in as ample a manner and form, as Robert 
« Thorne, late Prior of the said late Priory of Barnestapoll, 
“ or his Predecessors, or the Priors of the same place, in 


84 


u right of that Priory, on the 4th day of February, in the 
“ 27th year of our reign, or ever before all and singular the 
“ Premises, with the Appurtenances, have been held or 
“ enjoyed, or ought to have; and as fully and entirely, and 
“ in as ample a manner and form, as all and singular those 
“ Premises came to our hands, or ought to come, and now 
“ are, or ought to be in our hands, by reason and pretext of 
“ a certain Act for the dissolving certain Monasteries, 
“ Abbies, Priories, and Religious Houses, and in our 
“ Parliament at London, begun on the 3rd day of November, 
“ in the 21st year of our Reign, and thence adjourned to 
“ Westminster, and by divers prorogations continued unto, 
“ and on the 4th of February, in the 27th year of our Reign, 
“ and then there held amongst other things is enacted and 
“ provided. AND FURTHER, we give, and by these 
il presents grant, to the aforesaid William Lord Howard, and 
* Lady Margaret his Wife, the Rectory of the Parish Church 
“ of Tottenham, with the Appurtenances, in our County of 
Middlesex, to the late Priory of the Holy Trinity, London, 
“ lately dissolved, belonging, and appertaining ; and the 
“ Advowson, Donation, and Right of Patronage of the same 
“ Church and Vicarage there; and all our Manors, Messu- 
“ ages, Houses, Edifices, Barns, Lands, Tenements, Woods, 
“ Rents, Reversions, Services, Tithes, Oblations, Obventions, 
Pensions, Portions, Courts, and other Rights, Jurisdictions, 
Liberties, Possessions, and Hereditaments whatsoever, as 
“ well spiritual as temporal, of what kind, nature, or species 
soever, or by whatsoever names the same may be taken 
“ or known ; with all their Rights, Members,Appurtenances, 
“ Commodities whatsoever, situate, lying, and being in the 
“ Towns ’ P,aces > FieltJ s, Parishes, and Hamlets of Totten- 
“ ham aforesaid, and Edelmeton, in the County of Middlesex 
“ aforesaid, to the said late Priory of the Holy Trinity of Lon- 

“ don ’ lnan - v manner appertaining or belonging,as fully and 

“ entirely, and in as ample a manner and form as Nicholas 


85 


“ Hancock, late Prior of the said late Priory of the Holy 
“ Trinity, or his Predecessors or Priors of the same late 
“ P'-'ory, in right of that Priory, at the time of the dissolu¬ 
tion of the same late Priory, or theretofore have been held 
“ or enjoyed, or ought to have done. VVE ALSO give, and 
“ ty l > lese presents grant to the aforesaid William Lord 
Howard, and Lady Margaret his Wife,View of Frankpledge, 
“ and all things which belong to Frankpledge, Goods°of 
“ Felons, Fugitives, Outlaws, Condemned Persons, Felons, 
of themselves, and Deodands, in all and singular the 
aforesaid Manors, Lands, Tenements, and other Pre. 
“ “> and '» ev ery part thereof; all and singular which 
“ said Premises above granted by these presents, with the 
“ Appurtenances, are of the clear value of £155 4s. 6tf. a 
“ year, and not beyond. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the 
“ IIouse and Site aforesaid, and the Manors, Messuages, 
“ Lands, and all and singular other the Premises above 
“ specked, with the Appurtenances, to the aforesaid 
“ Wl,,iam Lord Howard, and Lady Margaret his Wife, and 
the Heirs of their Bodies between them lawfully begotten, 
and for default of such issue, then to remain to the Heirs 
“ of the body of the said William Lord Howard, lawfully 
begotten. TO BE FIOLDEN of us, our Heirs, and 
.Successors, in Capite by Knight’s Service, to wit, by the 
“ Tenth Part of a Knight’s Fee, and by the Rent of £21 
“ y earl y. to our Heirs and Successors, to be paid' at the 
Court of Augmentation of the Revenues of our Crown, 
at the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, for all 
Set vices. Exactions, and Demands whatsoever, of, in, or 
for the Premises, in any manner to be done, performed, 
“ yielded, or paid. AND FURTHER, we give, and by 
“ these presents grant to the aforesaid William Lord Howard, 
the Issues, Revenues, and Profits of the Premises, from 
the Feast of the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary, 
in the 27th year of our Reign, hitherto arising or accruing, 


86 


" TO HOLD the same to the same William Lord Howard, 
" of our gift, without yielding, paying, or performing any 
Account, or any thing else to us, our Heirs, or Successors. 
“ So that express mention, &c. IN WITNESS whereof, 
“ &c. Witness the King at Westminster, on the 9th day 
“ of March.” 

“ By the King himself, and of the date aforesaid, &c.” 



[The Signature, which is given for its singularity, is a 
close copy of a Fac-simile, appended to a Document printed 
in an old Work on Godstow Abbey, Oxfordshire.] 


87 


CHAPTER II. 

PUBLIC CHARITIES OF BARNSTAPLE. 

Penrose’s , or Litchdon Almshouse ; Penrose’s Gift, Bea - 
pie's Gift, Palmers Gift, Harris’s Gift, Rolle’s Gift, Stan - 
bury’s Gift — Horwood’s Almshouse—Paige’s Almshouse ; 
Canford’s Gift, Appley’s Gift, Paige’s Gift-Harris’s 
Almshouse Beaple’s Gift—Skinner’s Gift — Cornish’s Gift. 
— Jeffery’s Gift—Delbridge’s Gift__Olivean’s Gift—Mague's 
Gif t—Monies given to he lent—Appley’s Gift—Lugg’s Gift 
—Richard Ferris, Senior’s, Gift—Sir John A eland's Gift 
—Horsham’s Gift— Webber's Gift—Westlake’s Gift- 

Baron’s Gift—Richard Ferris's Gift — Phillips’s Gift 

Drake’s Gift — Tippetts’s Gift — Cordwainer’s Lands — 
Grammar School; Ferris’s Gift, Wright’s Gift—Charity 
School—Alice Horwood’s School for Girls—Newcommen’s 
Gift—Martiii’s Gift — Stanbury’s Gift for Reading Prayers 
—Appendix . 


The following Statement is taken from “ The Report 
of the Commissioners concerning Charities.”— 

penrosf/s, or litchdon almshouse. 

PENROSE^S GIFT. 

John Penrose, of Barnstaple, merchant, by his will, 
bearing date the 14th June, 1624, and proved in the 
Prerogative Court of Canterbury, reciting that he had 
assigned to William Palmer and others, all his estate 




88 


in certain lands in the parish of Hartland, which his 
father-in-law, Richard Beaple, and himself, had in 
mortgage, jointly, from Nicholas Luttrel, Esq. directed 
that if the said Nicholas Luttrel should not pay the 
mortgage money, the said William Palmer and others 
should sell his moiety of the said lands, and all his 
term therein ; the money made thereof to be employed 
towards the performance of his will. And, after various 
devices and bequests, he directed that his executors 
should convert all the rest of his goods, chattels, and 
estate whatsoever, not before given, into money, and 
with part thereof should purchase to them and their 
heirs, some convenient room or place within the 
borough and parish of Barnstaple, fit to erect an 
almshouse upon, and the same being so purchased, 
should, with part of the said money, erect thereupon 
such and so many several rooms for an almshouse, as 
they in their discretion should think fit, and that his 
said executors, with the money left in their hands after 
the said charges, should purchase such and so much 
lands, rents, and hereditaments, to them and their 
heirs, as the same money should be equal to pay for ; 
and that such lands, and the issues and profits thereof, 
should be for ever employed for the maintenance of the 
said almshouse, and for and towards the relief and 
maintenance of the poor people from time to time 
placed in the same. And he also directed, that his 
executors, and the survivors of them,’ should have the 
sole ordering and government of the said almshouse, 
as long as any three of them should be living; and 
that when they, by death, should come to the number 


89 


of two, the mayor, aldermen, and capital burgesses, 
and common council of Barnstaple, for the time being, 
should from thenceforth have the ordering, govern¬ 
ment, and disposing of the said almshouse, and the 
placing and displacing of the poor people therein, and 
should improve such lands so purchased for the purposes 
aforesaid, at the best yearly profits they might, and 
should not lease any part thereof for any fine, but at a 
yearly rack-rent, for the better maintenance of the 
said almshouse, and poor people therein. He also 
directed, that after his executors should, by death, 
come to the number of two, they should enfeoff six 
others of the common council of the said borough, of 
the said lands, and so from time to time, for ever, as 
often as the feoffees should come to the number of two; 
and he also directed that the poor people, to be placed 
in the almshouse, should he inhabitants within the said 
borough or parish, and none of any other place. And 
he appointed Richard Beaple, William Palmer, James 
Bulteel, Gilbert Page, and Richard Medford, to be 
executors of his said will. 

The said testator, by a codicil to bis will, bearing 
date 21st June, 1624, reciting that he had b> his said 
will, given to his brother, George Penrose, all his 
estate, term, and interest in his messuage, wherein he 
dwelt in Barnstaple, and in his tenement and stable in 
Paige Lane, the inheritance of the heirs of Appley, 
and in his garden adjoining to the Castle Lane of the 
said borough, reputed to be belonging to the Corpo¬ 
ration of Barnstaple, and in a close of land called 
Newcombe’s Close, another close called Fardeliscombe 

N 


<10 


Meadow, and another dose called Slade, in the said 
parish, thereby revoked the said devise to his brother 
of those premises, and gave the same to his said bro¬ 
ther George, from the time of his (the testator’s) death, 
for fifty years, if his said brother should so long live, 
and his interest in the same should so long continue 
respectively. And he gave to the said mayor, alder¬ 
men, and burgesses of Barnstaple, after the death of 
his said brother, his estate and interest in the said 
premises, and directed that when they should come 
into their hands, they should demise the said messuage 
wherein he dwelt, the said tenement and stable in 
Paige Lane, and the said garden, to some of the 
capital burgesses and common council of the said 
borough, for the time being, who would give most 
for the same; and the said three closes of land, 
to any persons who would give most for the 
same, at a yearly rack rent, and should bestow 
the rents and profits yearly arising out of the same, 
when they should amount to a competent sum, in some 
lands for an estate of inheritance, and should employ 
the rents and profits of the land so to be purchased, 
yearly, from time to time, for ever, towards the relief 
and maintenance of the poor people to be placed in 
the almshouse mentioned in his will, to he erected ; 
and that the said lands so to be purchased, should be 
let for a yearly rack rent; provided that if his said bro¬ 
ther, George, should have issue male of his body, such 
issue should, after the death of his brother, hold and 
enjoy the said premises, as long as any issue male 
should continue, to his and their ow n use. 


91 


The premises devised by this codicil are not, at this 
time, nor can we find any trace of their ever having 
been, in the possession of this almshouse. It does not 
appear what term or interest the testator had in this 
property, nor is it known whether the contingency 
happened of the failure of issue male of the body of 
the testator’s brother, George Penrose, without which 
the charity was not entitled to any benefit under the 
codicil. 

A part of the property now belonging to the alms¬ 
house, consists of an undivided moiety of lands in the 
parish of Hartland, (Nos. 3, and 4, in the rental, 
stated in a subsequent part of this Report,) the pos¬ 
session of which is only accounted for by supposing 
these lands to he the same as are mentioned in Penrose's 
will, as held in mortgage, jointly, by his father-in-law, 
Richard Beaple, and himself. 

We have not been able to find any account of the 
produce of the residue of the testator’s personal estate, 
or of the mariner in which it was applied; but an unex¬ 
ecuted deed, bearing date 18th December, 1670, found 
amongst the documents of the corporation of Barnsta¬ 
ple, w as produced to us, purporting to l>e a conveyance 
from John Downe, as the surviving feoffee of the lands 
of Litchdon almshouse, to the then mayor, deputy 
recorder, aldermen, and others, of Barnstaple, of 
the almshouse, with the gardens thereunto l>eIonging, 
of a messuage and garden in Anchor I^ane, and a 
close, containing by estimation two acres, adjoining 
Barbican Lane, which messuage and close are there 
stated to have been purchased of William Warman, for 


92 


ail endowment of the said almshouse. It seems pro¬ 
bable, therefore, that the money arising from Penrose’s 
gift, was applied in the purchase of the property 
comprised in this deed. The close adjoining Barbican 
Lane, and the house and garden in Anchor Lane, now 
form a part of the Almshouse Lands, Nos. 1 and 2, in 
the rental. We have not been able to find any other 
deeds for the purpose of preserving the trust in the 
manner directed by the founder of this almshouse. 

beaple’s gift. 

Richard Beaple, by his will, bearing date 13th 
April, 1641, gave to his executors .£420, to the intent 
that they should therewith purchase so much land of 
inheritance as should be of the yearly valpe of <£20, 
the yearly profits thereof to be bestowed upon four 
poor people of the new almshouse erected by Mr. John 
Penrose, deceased, such of them as he should nomi¬ 
nate in his life-time, and in default thereof, such as 
should be nominated by his executors, by £5 a-piece, 
to be paid quarterly ; and the same annuity of £20 
to continue for ever to four poor people of the said 
almshouse, to be nominated, after the death of all his 
executors, by the mayor, aldermen, and common 
council of Barnstaple, or the major part of them. And 
he directed, that until the said lands should be pur¬ 
chased, the said £420 should be put forth at interest at 
six per cent, the profits thereof to be bestowed upon 
the said four poor people. 

It is supposed that the tenement called Darracott, in 
the parish of Georgeham, now belonging to this 


93 


charity, (No. 6 in the rental,) ivas purchased with the 
money thus given by Richard Beaple ; but we have 
not been able to find the purchase-deeds of that 
tenement. 

In the returns made to Parliament in 1786, it is 
stated, that the said Richard Beaple gave a third part 
of the residue of his effects to this almshouse, with 
which a house was purchased, let, at the time of making 
those returns, at the rent of £8 8s. per annum. As 
there is a house in High-street, Barnstaple, now in 
possession of the charity, let at „f8 8s. per annum, 
(No. 7 in the rental,) it is probably the house alluded 
to in the returns; but upon an inspection of this donor’s 
will, which was proved in the Prerogative Court of 
Canterbury, it is not found to contain any such bequest 
of a part of the residue of his effects to this almshouse. 

PALMER*S GIFT. 

In an old book, found amongst the documents of 
the corporation of Barnstaple, containing the mayor's 
accounts for various years, at different periods, and 
also containing statements of some of the charitable 
donations to this town, it is mentioned, that William 
Palmer, of Barnstaple, merchant, by his will gave for 
the use of the poor in Penrose's almshouse, certain 
lands in East Heyland, within the parish of Frernington, 
after one life, for ever. It also appears, from an account 
in the same book, that in 1657, the then mayor and 
aldermen received from Anthony Palmer, one of the 
executors of the said William Palmer, £100, for the 
use of the poor, of which the sum of £88, was then 


94 


paid to Richard Gay, esquire, for his estate in a tene¬ 
ment called East Heyland, for the use of the poor in 
Penrose’s almshouse, devised by the said Williana 
Palmer, after the determination of the estate of the 
said Richard Gay. The charity is now in possession 
of lands in East Heyland, or Yelland. ( No. 8 in the 
rental.) 

The will of this William Palmer was proved in the 
Prerogative Court of Canterbury in 1653 ; but the only 
charitable gift contained in it is a bequest of £ 10 to 
the poor of Barnstaple, to be distributed within three 
months after his decease. The returns made to Parlia¬ 
ment in 1786, state his donation to the almshouse to 
have been made by deed in 1651, but we have not 
been able to find any such document. 

Harris’s gift. 

An inscription, on one of the tablets in the church, 
states, that Richard Harris, in 1655, gave £50 to this 
almshouse; but we have not been able to find any 
further trace of this donation. 

rolle’s gift. 

Denjs Rolle, esquire, who represented this borough 
in Parliament, gave, in 1763, £ 100 for the support of 
this almshouse. 

stanbury’s gift. 

Joan Stanbury, by her will, in 1772, gave £20 to 
the poor of this almshouse. 

It has been customary for the two oldest members of 


95 


the corporal ion, who have passed the chair, to have 
the management of this charity during their lives, to 
receiye the rents, make the payments, and keep the 
accounts, the senior of whom acts as treasurer. 

The accounts have been produced to us from 1774 
to the present time, being those of Messrs. Roch and 
Colley from 1774 to 1797, of Messrs. Roch and 
Shepherd from 1797 to 1804, of Messrs, Greek and 
Moule from 1804 to 1815, and of Messrs. Nicholas 
Glass and John Roberts from 1815 to 1822. The 
balances in hand have been carried forward to each 
succeeding account, but there does not appear to have 
been any regular audit of the accounts, except in 1797 
and 1804, when they were examined by a committee 
of the corporation. We suggested to the corporation 
the propriety of appointing a fixed day for an annual 
audit of the accounts of this and other charities of 
which they are trustees. 

The following rental contains a statement of the 
property held in trust by the corporation, for the 
benefit of this charity:— 


96 


No. 

DONORS. 

PARISH. 

PREMISES. 

Quantity. 

LESSEES. 





A.R 1>. 


l 

Panrosc 

Barnstaple 

A field in Barbican Lane, called 

1 3 34 

Harry Leworthy 




Fox’s Field. 



• 





Ditto 

2 

Ditto 

Ditto 

A public house in Anchor Lane, 

0 0 0 

Charles Dart 




called the Seven Stars. 



3 

Ditto 

Hartland 

An undivided moiety of a mes* 


% 

4 



suage and lands in West Titchbury 






containing, in the whole 

131 0 18 





And an undivided moiety of three 






fields, called Hodge’s Parks, and 






Gawlish, in East Titchbury, con. 






taining, in the whole 

5 3 2 

James Haynes 

4 

Ditto 

Ditto 

An undivided moiety of two fields 






called Roosdon Plots, part of West 

about 

Rev. T. Hooper 




Titchbury. 

4 0 0 

Morrison 

5 

Ditto 

Ditto 

An undivided moiety of a tene* 

61 1 29 

Thomas Prust 




ment called Mansley, containing* 

of which 





in the whole 

21 1 8 






are down 






land. 


6 

Beaple 

Georgeham 

A tenement called Darracott. 

22 2 38 

Peter Smith 

7 

Ditto, 

Barnstaple 

A house in High-street. 

0 0 0 

John Loosemore 


j supposed 




now Miss Eliza* 






beth Langdon 

8 

i Palmer 

Fremington 

Six closes of land in Yelland. 

23 1 3 

Henry Moule 

9 

Rolle 

1001. 

invested in two deeds poll of 501. a 

rch, one of 

the Barnstaple and 



the other of the Southmolton Turnpike, bearing interest at 4 per cent. 

10 

Stanbury 

201. invested in 241. Old South Sea Annuities. 


11 


1311. 

2s. lid. Old South Sea Annuities, purchased by the treasurer in 



17 & 8 » with 1001. arising from surplus income. 

























97 


TERM. 

RENT. 

Estimated 
clear yearly 
Value. 


Tj. s. d. 

l. s. ir. 

14 years from 

15 15 0 

good rent 

Lady-day, 1819. 

15 0 0 

additional rent for 
clay for bricks in 
the same field. 


11 years from 
Lady-day, 1822, 

determinable at 

the end of seven 

47 0 0 

good rent 

years. 

' 


14 years from 



Lady-day, 1810. 
21 years from 

60 0 0 

good rent 

Lady-day, 1817- 

3 0 0 

good rent 

21 years from 
Lady-day, 1806. 

17 10 0 

good rent 

21 years from 

31 0 0 

good rent 

Lady.day, 1809. 


| 

60 years from 
25tli Dec. 1773. 

O 

CO 

oc 

20 0 0 

Yearly tenant. 

17 H 0 

O 

o 

o 

a 


4 0 0 


r 

0 14 10 



4 0 0 

£223 18 10 



OBSERVATIONS. 


Let by auction. 

The tenant has agreed to pay this addi¬ 
tional rent as long as the clay in the field 
lasts, and to lay down the land for pasture 
at the end of his term. 

Let by auction ; the former rent was 211. 
More than 401 . has lately been expended 
from the funds of the charity in the improve* 
ment of these premises; they are now in 
good repair. The trustees covenant to do 
the external repairs. 


Let by auction ; the lessee is the owner of 
the other moiety of this estate. 

The lessee of No. 3 is the owner of the 
other moiety of these fields. They now form 
a part of the pleasure grounds of the Rev. T. 
H. Morrison, and are marked by boundary 
stones. 

Let by private contract alter an auction had 
been held; the trustees covenant to repair 
the walls of the buildings, and a small sum 
j is usually allowed to the tenant out of the 
| rent for this purpose. 

Let by auction. 

This house was in a dilapidated state when 
the present repairing lease was granted. It 
is now in good repair. 

The rent appears to have been of the same 
amount in 1786. It is proposed to ro-Ieithese 
closes by auction, but they are stated to con¬ 
sist of indifferent land, and it is not expected 
that the rent will be much increased; 12s. 3d, 
has been annually allowed to the tenant of 
these lands for land-tax. 

[A.]* 


* The Letters refer to the Appendix at the end of the Chapter. 


O 


























98 


The almshouse is a large building, in good repair, 
situate in Litchdon-street, Barnstaple, and consists of 
twenty dwelling-houses, each containing two alms 
people, with a large Garden behind, divided into 
portions amongst the inhabitants. In one of the wings 
is a chapel, in which prayers are read twice in the week 
by one of the almsmen, and in the other wing is a 
room, formerly used as a compting house. 

The almspeople are appointed from the poor parish¬ 
ioners of Barnstaple, a preference being given to 
natives, and usually to women. At the time of our 
investigation, in September, 1822, they consisted of 
thirty-six women and four men. There is no specified 
age for their appointment, but they are seldom chosen 
under the age of fifty. Upon the first vacancy that 
occurs by death, after the mayor for the time being 
enters upon his office, a successor is nominated by him. 
The others are supplied alternately by the two acting 
trustees. Each of the almspeople receives six shillings 
(making in the whole £12,) per lunar month. In 
1804, the allowance was <£6 per lunar month, from 
which it has been gradually augmented, as the rents 
have increased, to its present amount. In part of the 
w inter of 1819-1820, in consequence of the severity of 
the winter, the monthly allowance was further aug¬ 
mented to <£14. On particular occasions a small 
additional donation has been made to the almspeople 
from the funds of the charity. Many of the inhabitants, 
both of this almshouse and of H or wood’s and Paige’s 
almshouses, receive parochial relief, in addition to 
their allowances from the respective charities. 


The following is a summary of the average annual 
expenditure on account of this almshouse :— 

£ (l» 

Allowance to the almspeople, at £12 per 

lunar month .... 156 0 0 

Additional allowance to one of them for 

reading prayers, at 7s. 6d. per quarter 1 10 0 

Insurance. 1 5 0 

Chief Rents payable out of parts of the 

premises to Barnstaple Bridge . 0 10 o 

Payment to the poor of Paige’s almshouse, 
in respect of an annuity given by William 
Canford, understood to be charged upon 
some part of the almshouse lands . 0 6 8 

Land Tax allowed to the tenant of No. 8 in 

the rental. 0 12 3 

Repairs of the almshouse on an average of 
five years, including a small allowance 
to the tenant of No. 5 for repairs, and a 
small sum for receipt stamps . 210 0 

£181 3 II 

No expense whatever is incurred for managing the 
charity, or keeping the accounts. 

It will be seen that the annual income, as stated in 
the rental, exceeds the expenditure by more than 
£40; but it should be observed, that the increased 
rent of No. 2 took place only from Lady-day, 1822, 
and that the rent paid for digging clay in No. 1 can 
only be considered as temporary income. 

Upon the treasurer’s accounts, as made up to the 
time of our enquiry, there was a balance of £98 2s. Ad. 
in favor of the charity, in addition to which arrears of 
L.of C. 



100 


rent were due from some of the tenants; and on the 
other hand, a part of the expense of the repairs of the 
Seven Stars public-house, No. 2, amounting to about 
£30, remained unpaid. We were informed by the acting 
trustees, that they proposed, with part of the balance in 
hand, and the temporary income that will arise from 
digging clay in No. i, to purchase stock in the public 
funds, with a view to provide a fund for the repairs of 
the almshouse, the annual expense of which, from 
the age of the building, may be expected to increase. 

The inhabitants of this almshouse, in addition to 
the above-mentioned allowances, receive £4 per annum, 
arising from Phillip’s gift, mentioned in a subsequent 
part of this Report, ten shillings of which is paid to 
the almsman who reads pray el's, and the residue is 
divided equally at Christmas amongst all the alms- 
people, in sums of one shilling and nine pence to each. 


The above-mentioned John Penrose, by his said 
will, gave to the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of 
the borough and parish of Barnstaple, £200, to be by 
them employed in the keeping to work some of the 
poor people of the said borough and parish, in the 
house newly erected near the Castle, for keeping the 
people to work, called the Bridewell. 

It appears, from entries in the old book of mayors’ 
accounts before referred to, that this bridewell was 
built by the town at an expense of <£300 ; and that in 
1633 it was found that, by the carelessness of the 



101 


keeper of the bridewell, there was not so much 
good done to the poor as had been expected, and that 
the town was every year at the expense of repairing 
the house and other things, and that it was therefore 
thought good to appoint John Cole to be keeper of 
the bridewell., who should have the house, and the 
use of <£100 given by John Penrose, for the perform¬ 
ance of his office; and that the other £100 should be 
lent at six per cent, for the reparations of the house, 
and other charges for diet, &c. We have not found 
any further trace of this sum of £200. The bridewell 
described as being near the castle, is supposed to be 
the present parish workhouse, [jj.] 


iiorwood’s almshouse. 

An inscription on this almshouse states, that it was 
founded and endowed by Thomas Horwood, merchant, 
who began it in his life, and was finished by his widow 
Mrs. Alice Horwood. 

By indenture, bearing date 7th September 1674, 
between the said Alice Horwood, Richard Hooper, 
mayor elect of the borough of Barnstaple, William 
Wescombe, alderman, and Arthur Acland and two 
others, capital burgesses of the said borough, of the 
one part, and Christopher Hunt, mayor of the said 
borough, and Thomas Harris and three others, capital 
burgessesof the same, of the other part, reciting, that 
the said Alice Horwood, by indenture, bearing date 
15th August 1665, for settling of the messuages and 


102 


lands in that indenture mentioned to the uses therein 
expressed, granted to the said parties of the first part, 
together with five others since deceased, and their 
heirs, a plot of land, containing in length, north and 
south, 70 feet, and in breadth, east and west, 47 feet, 
and a plot of land next adjoining, called the Little 
Court, containing in length, 26 feet, and in breadth, 
11 feet, and the almshouse thereon erected, situate in 
or near Whitpit-larie, in the borough of Barnstaple, 
between the lands then of Edward Eastmond on the east, 
the lane called Whitpit-lane, the old almshouses and the 
lands belonging to the long bridge of Barnstaple on 
the west, the lands of Henry Greenwood and Mrs. 
Paige’s new erected almshouse on the north, and the 
lands of the said Edward Eastmond, and the lands 
belonging to the long bridge of Barnstaple on the 
south, and also a garden and garden-house, then in the 
possession of the said Alice H or wood and the persons 
then resident in the said new erected almshouse 
between the church-yard on the north, the lands of 
Gabriel Sherman on the south, the lands of John 
Barret and part of a garden in the occupation of 
Nicholas Delbridge on the west, and the lands in the 
occupation of Robert Fosse and others on the east, and 
two quillets of land, containing two borough acres, 
and one piece of a marsh adjoining thereto, in Bishop’s 
Newport, within the parish of Bishop’s Taw ton, and a 
stable situate in Paige’s Lane, in Barnstaple, and a 
messuage and tenement, with the appurtenances, in 
New port aforesaid, then in the possession of the said 
Alice Horwood, and the writings concerning the said 


103 


premises, which were to be left in the town chest in 
the Guildhall of the said borough, to the use of the 
said Alice Horwood, for life, and after her decease, upon 
trust, that the said trustees should dispose of the rents 
and profits of the said premises (subject to an annuity 
payable thereout to certain persons, for their lives) in 
the reparations of the said almshouses and other 
premises., and the relief of the poor therein, and upon 
further trust, that the said trustees or the major part ot 
them should, from time to time, upon the death or 
removal of any of the poor persons resident and placed 
in the said almshouse, supply such vacancy, by placing 
in each room or dwelling two such poor and ancient 
decayed people as the major part of them should think 
fit, having always regard to the wants of any poor 
relations of Thomas Horwood, deceased, the late 
husband of the said Alice, to prefer them before others, 
and upon trust, that the walk and garden-house in the 
said alms-garden should be for the use of the said 
trustees, for ever, for their general meetings; and 
reciting, that the said Alice Horwood had, by the said 
indenture, declared, that when the trustees should be 
reduced to six, the survivors should convey the said 
premises to such four seniors of the capital burgesses of 
Barnstaple and their heirs, as should not before be of 
the number of the survivors, to the use of themselves 
and the said four seniors, upon the like trusts; and 
reciting, that the said Alice Horwood desired that the 
six surviving trustees should convey the said premises, 
upon the trusts aforesaid, to such four of the capital 
burgesses as the major part of them should think fit; 


104 


and in case they should not agree in the nomination of 
such four capital burgesses, such as the mayor and 
aldermen of the said borough or any two of them should 
appoint; and that they should not be obliged to grant 
the same to the seniors of the capital burgesses; it was 
witnessed, that the said Alice Horwood and the other 
parties of the first part, by her direction, granted and 
enfeoffed the before mentioned premises to the parties 
of the second part and their heirs, to the use of them¬ 
selves and the surviving trustees, upon the trusts 
mentioned in the said recited indenture, with such 
alteration in the mode of appointing the new trustees 
as before mentioned. 

The following rental shows the property belonging 
to this almshouse:— 


No. 

PARISH. 

LESSEES. 

PREMISES. 

1 

Borough of Newport, 

Johu Westacott 

House, orchard, and garden, part 


in the parish of Bishop’s 
Tawton. 


of Pudridge. 

2 

Ditto 

John Bentley and Wm. 

A barn and field, other part of 



Hutton 

Pudridge. 

3 

Ditto 

William Ackland 

Two fields. 

4 

Ditto 

William Thome 

Two fields at Rnpsbam. 

5 

Barnstaple 

William rollon 

Small stable aud ash-pit in 
Paige’s lane. 


£100 New South Sea Annuities, which appears to have been purchased in 1759, in 


consequence of an order of the common council, 

by the two then acting trustees in 


the name of the mayor and aldermen of Barnstaple, for 821. 2s. 2d. (being part of a 
sum of 1021. belonging to this charity, the residue of which sum was directed to be 
applied for the repairs of the houses) producing the yearly dividends of 


It does not appear from whence this sum of 1021. was derived. 


£ 10 given by the will of Joan Stanbury in 1772, vested in 'Ml. 4s. 1 id. Old South Sea 
, Annuities, producing the yearly dividend of 

[C.] 








105 


The last trust deed of these premises bears date the 
1st and 2nd January, 1801, under which six trustees 
are now living. 

It has been customary for the two members of the 
corporation next in seniority to the two seniors, to 
have the management of this charity, and to grant the 
leases of the lands held under it. At the time of our 
investigation, the acting trustees were Mr. John May 
and Mr. Richard Rowe Metherell, who are also two 
of the surviving trustees under the deed of 1801, and 
the accounts were kept by Mr. John May, junior, for 
his father. 

The almshouse is situate in Church Lane, and 
consists of eight dwellings, containing two rooms each, 
inhabited by sixteen poor persons, men and women, 


Quantity. 

TERM. 

RENT. 

Yearly 

Value. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

A. R. P. 

0 3 14 

7 years from Lady-day, 
1820. 

£.. S. D. 

11 11 0 

good rent 

Let by auction; the 
trustees do the repairs * 
some repairs wanting. 

2 1 8 

Ditto 

22 5 0 

ditto 

Let by auction. 

2 0 2 

Ditto 

i 14 0 0 

ditto 

ditto. 

1 3 19 

7 years from Michael¬ 
mas, 1821. 

Yearly tenant. 

8 0 0 

2 2 0 

ditto 

ditto 

Let by private contract, 
after an auction held. 



3 0 0 

ditto 




0 8 8 

ditto 




Cl 6 8 


















106 


with a small gardeti plot allotted to each dwelling. It 
is in a fair state of repair. The ahnspeople are appoint¬ 
ed from the poor of Barnstaple, alternately, by the 
acting trustees, as vacancies occur, and at the time of 
our investigation, consisted of two men and fourteen 
women ; each of them receives five shillings per lunar 
month, and the rent of the stable in Paige’s lane, being 
two guineas a year, is divided among them at Christ¬ 
mas. Small additional donations are also made to 
them out of the funds of the charity, on particular 
occasions. 

The following is a summary of the annual expend¬ 
iture :— 


Sixteen ahnspeople, at five shillings each 
per lunar month .... 
Rent of the stable in Barnstaple, divided 
amongst them at Christmas 
Chief rent payable to the lord of the manor 

of Newport. 

Insurance ...... 

Repairs, on au average of the last three 
years. 


£ s. il. 

52 0 0 

2 2 0 

o 8 9 

0 10 0 

4 4 0 


£59 4 9 

besides small incidental expenses for letting the property. 

The balance in favor of the charity at the time of 
our investigation, was 10$. 11 d. and there were then 
arrears of rent due to Midsummer, 1822, amounting 
to £8 Is. 6d. There have been hitherto no regular 
audits of the accounts of this charity, but the book of 



107 


accounts has been occasionally produced for inspection, 
at the meeting of the corporation. 

In 1820, a donation of £3 from Sir Francis 
Ommaney, and a donation of £b from Michael Nolan* 
esquire, to this almshouse, were received by Mr. John 
May, junior, and carried to the general account 
thereof. 

Each of the poor persons in this almshouse, received 
one shilling twice in the year, from Phillips’s gift, and 
sixpence twice in the year, from Tippetts’s gift, 
hereinafter mentioned. 


paige’s almshouse. 

The almshouse called Paige’s almshouse, is situate 
in Church Lane, and consists of four dwellings of two 
rooms each, without garden or courtlage, inhabited by 
eight poor persons; one of which dwellings, as appears 
from the will of Elizabeth Paige, hereinafter stated, 
was built by her in her life-time, and for rebuilding the 
others of which, on the site of a more ancient alms¬ 
house, she gave by her said will, <£100. 

For the support of this ancient establishment, the 
two following donations of William Canford and 
Robert Appley, appear to have been previously given. 

canfoiid’s gift. 

It appears from the before-mentioned old book of 
mayors’ accounts, that William Canford, by his will, 
bearing date 28th July, 1553, gave to Roger North, 



108 


and others, and their heirs, a tenement and meadow, 
amongst other uses, for the payment of an annuity of 
65 . 8 d. towards the relief and maintenance of the poor 
of the almshouse in Barnstaple. 

The premises charged with this annuity are supposed 
to be a part of those now belonging to Penrose’s 
almshouse; and the annuity of 6 s. 8 d. is paid by the 
trustees of that charity, and divided amongst the poor 
inhabitants of Paige’s almshouse. 

appley’s gift. 

Robert Appley, alderman, of Barnstaple, by his will, 
bearing date 7th October, 1594, gave to William Colly- 
beare, then mayor of Barnstaple, and ten others,and their 
heirs, a messuage, orchard, garden, and close of land, 
situate in the borough of Newton [Newport]# Bishop, 
upon trust, to permit the mayor and aldermen of the 
town of Barnstaple to receive the rents and profits 
thereof, whom he appointed to distribute the same 
quarterly, unto such twelve poor people as should be, 
according to the ancient custom of the said borough of 
Barnstaple, admitted from time to time, into the 
almshouse of the said town. 

These Premises (now called Conger ham’s) are 
situate within the borough of Newport, in the parish 
of Bishop’s Tawton, and consist of a house, garden, 
and plot of land, containing in the whole, 1a. 20p. 
let to William Fairchild, under a lease from the mayor 
and aldermen of Barnstaple, granted by public auction, 

* For any interlineations in this Report marked thus, [ ] the 
Editor is responsible. 


109 


for eleven years from Lady-dav, 1314, at the yearly 
rent of <£18, which it was found necessary to reduce 
after the first year of the term, to <£14, and this is now 
considered a good rent. The house is old, and in a 
decayed state. The tenant covenants to do all repairs 
except those of the walls of the house. The rent is 
received from him quarterly, by one of the almswomen, 
and after payment for the necessary repairs of the 
almshouse, (which is in an indifferent state of repair,) 
the residue is divided equally amongst the poor 
inhabitants thereof, [d.] 

PAIGE'S GIFT. 

Elizabeth Paige, by her will, hearing date 9th 
March, 1656, gave to the building and erecting of the 
almshouses, (then in decay,) [situate in the Lane] 
commonly called the Alms Lane, and adjoining to the 
almshouse built by herself, £100, to be bestowed 
therein at the discretion of her executors. She also 
gave to the mayor and aldermen of Barnstaple for the 
time being, and their successors, £50, to be lent forth 
for the benefit of those poor people who should be 
thereafter placed in those almshouses, when built, and 
towards repairing of the almshouse then already built, 
as well as those to be built, and the remaining profit 
of the said £50 to be yearly distributed equally unto 
the said poor, the week before Christide. 

The annual sum of 505. is paid by the corporation, 
as the interest of the sum of £50, and divided equally 
amongst the poor inhabitants of this almshouse on St. 
Thomas's day. 


110 


A further annual sum of 20s. is also divided at the 
same time, amongst them and the inhabitants ot 
Harris’s almshouse, hereinafter mentioned, arising as 
follows ;—The corporation, as holding the Castle-court 
manor, in Barnstaple, under the late Sir John Chiches¬ 
ter, baronet, were bound to provide for him two 
annual fish dinners, his claim to which he voluntarily 
relinquished, on payment by the corporation, of two 
annuities of 20s. each, one amongst the poor of this 
establishment and of Harris’s almshouse, and the other 
for the support of the charity school of the town, and 
the same arrangement has been continued by the 
present Sir Arthur Chichester, [e.] 

The almspeople are appointed as vacancies occur, 
from the poor persons of Barnstaple, by the mayor for 
the time being. At the time of our investigation, all 
of them were women, but men have sometimes been 
appointed. 

They receive one shilling each, twice in the year, 
from Phillips’s gift, and six-pence each, twice in the 
year, from Tippetts’s gift, hereinafter mentioned. 


Harris’s almshouse. 

It appears from an inscription on a tablet in the 
church of this parish, that Thomas Harris, in 1646, 
gave <£20 to build an almshouse for some poor, in the 
church-yard. 

The house supposed to have been built, in conse¬ 
quence of this bequest, adjoins to the church-yard, and 



Ill 


to Paige’s almshouse above-mentioned. It is inhabited 
by poor persons, placed there by the mayor of Barn¬ 
staple for the time being, and is repaired by the 
occupiers. The present inhabitants are the sexton of 
the parish, and his wife, who receive one shilling each, 
out of the annuity of twenty shillings mentioned in the 
account of Paige’s almshouse ; one shilling each, twice 
in the year, from Phillips’s gift; and six-pence each, 
twice in the year, from Tippetts’s gift. 


beaple’s gift. 

Richard Beaple, whose gift to Penrose’s almshouse 
has been already mentioned, by a codicil to his said 
will, bearing date 14th November, 1642, gave to the 
mayor and aldermen of Barnstaple, and their success¬ 
ors, for ever, to the use of the poor people of the town 
of Barnstaple, a yearly rent-charge of £20, to be issuing 
out of his barton and demense of Hedd, in the parishes 
of Chittlehampton and Chulmleigh, upon trust, to 
distribute the same to the most necessitous, sick, old, 
and impotent people in the said town. 

The lands charged with this rent-charge, are now 
the property of Lord Rolle, whose steward, after 
deducting £2 13s. 4 d. for land tax, pays annually to 
the mayor of Barnstaple for the time being £17 6s. Sd. 
in respect thereof, [f.] 

The sum is united with the rents arising from 
Skinner’s gift and Cornish’s gift, and forms one fund, 
the application of which will be stated in the account 
hereinafter given of the last mentioned charity. 



112 


skinner’s gift. 

By indenture, bearing date 30th April, 1719, between 
Bartholomew Wakeman, son and heir and also executor 
of William Wakeman, deceased, of the one part ; and 
Edward Fairchild, mayor, Robert Nicholls and John 
Marshall, aldermen, and twelve others, capital bur¬ 
gesses of the borough and parish of Barnstaple, of the 
other part; reciting, that Ephraim Skinner, of London, 
barber chirurgeon, by his will, bearing date 27th 
December, 1677, gave, in trust, to his brother-in-law, 
William Wakeman, of Barnstaple, the place of his 
birth, £200, to be invested by him in land, that so 
the yearly profits thereof should go to such poor of the 
said town that should not be already pensioners, as his 
said brother, whilst alive, should think fit, and after 
his death, as he should appoint; and reciting, that the 
said William Wakeman, in pursuance of the said trust, 
had laid out the said £200, in the purchase of the fee- 
simple of the lands thereinafter mentioned, which were 
conveyed to him and his heirs, by indenture of feoff¬ 
ment, bearing date 27th November, 1678 ;and reciting 
that the said William Wakeman did not, by his last 
will, or otherwise, appoint how and amongst whom 
the said yearly profits should be distributed after his 
death ; the said Bartholomew Wakeman, for the better 
manifestation of the said trust, granted to the parties 
of the second part, and their heirs, three closes of land, 
containing by estimation, six acres, or thereabouts, 
situate in the said parish of Barnstaple, commonly 
called Dobbings, or Tracy’s grounds, being the lands 


113 


56 granted by the said indenture of feoffment, a 5 
aforesaid, on trust, for the poor of the said parish of 
Barnstaple, not being pensioners* the yearly profits 
thereof, for ever, to be distributed amongst them, as 
the mayor, aldermen, and capital burgesses of the said 
borough and parish, for the time being, together with 
the said Bartholomew Wakeman, should appoint* such 
distribution to be made in such a manner, that the will 
of the said benefactor might be with the greatest 
exactness fulfilled. 

AVe have not found any subsequent trust deed of this 
property, but the leases of it have of late years been 
granted by the corporation. 

The above-mentioned three closes of land, contain* 
by admeasurement, 7 a.29p. and are now in the 
occupation of Mr. Harry Leworthy, under a lease 
granted by public auction for 14 years from Lady-day 
1815, determinable at the end of the first seven or 
eleven years, at a clear yearly rent of <£30, which is 
considered to be the full value of the premises. The 
application of this rent will be stated in the account of 
the following gift of Richard Cornish. 


CORNISHES GIFTi 

Richard Cornish, by his will, bearing date 5th 
August, 1709, reciting that he was possessed of a close 
of land called Withy Close, situate in Barnstaple, for 
a long term of years, gave the same, after the deaths of 
his wife and brother, to the mayor and aldermen of the 
Q 



114 


borough and parish of Barnstaple for the time being, 
for the poor of the said parish, the said close to be 
yearly set at rent by the mayor and aldermen, and the 
rent to be by them yearly, on the 25th December, 
distributed amongst the said poor, in such shares and 
proportions as by the said mayor and aldermen should 
be thought fit, they having' respect to the most 
necessitous poor. 

Withey Close consists of 2a. 1r. 21p. and is now in 
the occupation of Dr. Morgan, under a lease from the 
corporation, granted by public auction, for seven years 
from Lady-day 1819, at the clear yearly rent of <£16, 
which is considered to be a very good rent. The previous 
rent was £7 10 . 9 . per annum, subject to deductions 
for rates and taxes. 

The annual income arising from this and the two 
preceding gifts, is united into one fund ; until the year 
1817, the amount thereof. either in money or in articles 
of clothing, was distributed, one moiety by the mayor, 
and one-fourth part by each of the two aldermen of 
the borough, at their respective houses, to such objects 
as they thought proper, and no account of the 
application of these gifts was preserved ; but in that 
year, during the mayoralty of Mr. Edward Richard 
Roberts, an improved mode of distribution was 
introduced. Articles of clothing are now provided 
and given away, together with small donations of 
money, proportioned to the numbers in each family, 
by the mayor and aldermen for the time being, amongst 
the poor, who attend at a public meeting held shortly 
after Christmas, of which notice is given by the town 


115 


crier ; and an account is kept under the direction of 
the mayor, of the receipt and expenditure of these 
gifts, with lists of the persons receiving them. From 
the year 1820, a book has been appropriated exclusively 
to the purpose of recording the application of the 
charities under the management of the corporation. 

Ihe income and expenditure of these donations for 
the year 1821, was as follows:— 

£ s. cl. 

From Bea pie’s gift ........ 17 6 8 

Rent of Facey’s ground (Skinner s gift) . 30 0 0 

Produce of a tree cut on Facey’s ground • 2 10 0 

Rent of Withy Close (Cornish’s gift) . . 16 0 0 

£05 16 8 

Distributed at the Guildhall in March 1822 
(a delay having taken place in such distri¬ 
bution, in consequence of a part of the 
rents not having been received at the 
usual time) in articles of clothing; viz. 

47 shirts, 58 shifts, 34 petticoats, 19 pair of 

stockings, 64 aprons, and 59 handkerchiefs 34 15 4 


Distributed in money.18 18 6 

Receipt stamps.0 1 6 


Expense of rebuilding a linhay which had 

been blown down on Facey’s ground , , 12 1 5 

65 16 9 


This distribution was extended to between four and 
five hundred persons. 

All the poor inhabiting in the town of Barnstaple, 
whether settled parishioners or not, are allowed to 








116 


partake of these donations. It is to be observed, that 
the income arising from Skinner's gift, was directed by 
the donor to be confined to persons not being pensioners, 
No part of this fund has been exclusively disposed ot to 
persons not having parochial relief, but it is staled, that 
about one half of those who partake of the distribution, 
are not in the receipt of such relief. 


jeffery's gift. 

Roger Jeffery, of Barnstaple, apothecary, by will, 
dated 19th December 1681, and proved in the 
Archdeaconry Court, at Barnstaple, gave to twelve 
poor decayed housekeepers, 5$. a piece, to be paid to 
them yearly for ever on 25th January, being his birth¬ 
day, 30s. thereof to be paid by them yearly , as aforesaid, 
by his son-in-law Richard Matthews, his heirs and 
assigns, for ever, which said 30$. he had reserved tq 
him, his heirs and assigns, for ever, out of his lands 
in Bickington, which he had formerly purchased of one 
Mountjoy, which he desired, ordered and ordained the 
mayor and aldermen of the borough and parish of 
Barnstaple, for the time being, after his decease, to 
receive of the said Richard Matthews, his heirs and 
assigns, for ever, and the same to distribute and pay 
over, yearly, to the said poor housekeepers; and the 
other 30$. to be paid to the said poor housekeepers also, 
by the mayor and aldermen of Barnstaple aforesaid, and 
their successors, which said 30$. last mentioned should 
arise out of the interest of <£25 which he did thereby 



117 


give and bequeath to the major and aldermen of the 
said borough, for the time being, and their successors 
for ever, to be paid to them by his executor, Joseph 
Fraine, within one year next after his decease, to be put 
out by them at interest into the hands of three sufficient 
persons, and to be distributed yearly. 

A tablet in Barnstaple church, records the gift of 
Roger Jeffery, as being 30 s. a year (instead of £3 as 
mentioned in the will) for poor decayed housekeepers. 
The old book of mayors 5 accounts, does not contain 
those of any year between the date of this gift and the 
year 1706, and we have not been able to find any trace 
of the receipt of the above-mentioned sum of £25 by 
the corporation, or of the payment of any interest by 
that body in respect thereof. 

The annuity of 30s. is received from the agent of 

Mr.-Yeo, of Clifton, as being the owner of the 

lands charged therewith, in the hamlet of Bickington, 
which is in the parish of Fremington, and it is 
distributed by the mayor for the time being, in small 
sums amongst poor housekeepers, 

It appears from the book in which the account of 
the corporation charities is now kept, that in 1820, it 
was thus given to two poor men and four widows, in 
sums of 5 s. each, and that in 1821, it was given to a 
larger number of persons, in sums varying from 5s, 
to 2s. _ 

delbridge’s gift. 

John Delbridge, by deed, bearing date 25th 
December, 1632, (as appears from the before mentioned 



118 


old book of mayors* accounts,) granted to the mayor, 
aldermen and burgesses of Barnstaple, and their success¬ 
ors, an annuity of 44s, issuing out of a tenement situate 
at the higher end of Crock [Cross] street, at the corner 
of the street next the High Cross, and he appointed the 
s£id annuity to be disposed of as follows:—205. thereof 
to be distributed by the churchwardens and overseers 
of the poor yearly, on the 14th December, unto twenty 
such poor families in Barnstaple, to each family, 12d. 
as the mayor and aldermen, or two of them together, 
with the churchwardens, should, by writing under 
their hands nominate; and 205. more thereof to be 
distributed in like manner by such proportion and to 
such persons, upon the 2d day of May yearly ; and 25. 
of the said annuity to be yearly bestowed by the 
churchwardens, in the cleansing and reparation of the 
tomb of his daughter, Mary Markwell; and the other 
25. residue of the said annuity, to be given to the 
overseers of the poor, for their pains in distributing the 
said annuity ; which grant contained a proviso, that if 
the mayor, &c. should neglect to collect the said 
annuity by the space of two years, or should not 
distribute the same, nor cause the said tomb to be 
repaired, nor should tell the overseers to account for the 
same, the grant of the said annuity should be void. 

This annuity is not now received, and we have not 
been able to obtain any farther information relating to 
it, except that in the returns made to Parliament in 
1786, it is stated that the gift had lapsed by the tenor 
of the deed. It is probable that at some former period, 
the owner of the property charged therewith, availed 


110 


himself of some neglect on the part of the corporation; 
in the collection or disposal of the annuity, to avoid 
the deed under the proviso contained in it. 


OLIVEAN^S GIFT. 

Stephen Olivean, by his will, bearing date 2d May,' 
1668, gave to the mayor and aldermen of the town of 
Barnstaple, and to the mayor and aldermen of the town 
of Bideford, respectively, and their respective successors, 
two yearly rent charges of £6 each, to be issuing out of 
two messuages and tenements, with the appurtenances, 
in Saint Luce 5 s-lane, in the parish of St. John’s Bow, 
Exeter, then in the possession of John Taylor, and 
others, which he had purchased of John Dolton, to be 
employed by them towards the schooling of poor 
children, born within the said towns respectively. He 
also gave to the mayor and aldermen of Plymouth, and 
to the churchwardens and overseers of the parish of 
Northam, respectively, two yearly rent-charges of £b 4s. 
each, for a weekly distribution of 2s. worth of bread 
in each of those places, to be issuing out of the same 
premises. 

We are informed, that Saint Luce’s-lane, Exeter, is 
now called Friernhay-laue, but we have not met with 
any evidence tending to identify the property charged 
with these rent-charges, nor have we been able to find 
in any of the places to which they were given, any 
trace of their having been received. The gifts to 
Barnstaple and Bideford, are mentioned in lists of 



120 


charities upon tablets, in the respective churches of 
those towns, the donor being called in the former, 
Stephen Oliphan, and in the latter, Stephen Oliver. 
The governors of St. John’s hospital in Exeter, are in 
possession of a house in Fore-street, in that city, and 
in the parish of St. John’s Bow, given to them by the 
will of the said Stephen Olivean. 


MAYNE*S GIFT. 

A gift of <£200 from John Mayne, in j680, to each 
of the towns of Dartmouth, Barnstaple, and Bideford, 
provided that they should, within four years after his 
death, raise in each of those places £600 or £700 ; the 
sums so given by him, and the sums so to be raised, to 
be employed in erecting of schools in the said towns 
respectively, was mentioned in a former Report, in the 
account of the charities of Dartmouth. 

We find no trace of this donation having been 
received in either of these places, and think it 
probable, that the condition imposed by the donor* 
was not complied with. 


^ MONIES GIVEN TO BE LENT. 

It appears from the old book of mayors 5 accounts, 
that the following sums were given by various donors* 
previously to the year 1633, to be lent out to the 
poor 




121 


To be raised out of the houses in Bout port 


street, given by Robert Appley . . > 100 0 0 

G. Duke ..... 10 o 0 

R. Beaple .... 20 0 0 

Dorothy Palmer . . G 13 4 

W. Gray. 30 0 0 

J. Ayres. 100 0 0 

L. Smyth.12 0 o 

J. Beaple. 20 0 0 

T. Berryman . . * 100 o 0 

N. Teakle . ... 100 0 0 

Hugh Atwell ... 300 

T. Wescombe ... 2 10 0 

Denys Westlade . . I 0 0 

Hugh Stevens ... 6 13 4 

T. Westlake .... 40 0 0 

J. Stanbury .... 10 0 o 


And that in 1633, the sum of .€59 16s. 8f/. was paid 
by the corporation, to make good deficiencies in these 
monies, [g.] 

It also appears from an entry in the same book, in 
1634, that the mayor, aldermen, and common council 
of this town, observing, that the poorer sort were not 
able to find security for loans out of the monies given 
to be lent to poor tradesmen, especially poor weavers 
and tuckers, but by leaving the money in the hands of 
their sureties, whereby little or no profit grew to the 
said poor; and being desirous that the poor should 
have some benefit of the said money, thought fit to lend 
part of the said money to some of the townsmen, such 
as by their trading helped and relieved the poorer sort, 
at six per cent, which profit, at the end of the year, 

R 






should be distributed to such poor weavers and tuckers 
as could not find security, nor employ the money to 
their profit. They therefore lent four sums of <£50 
each, and one sum of £25 to different persons, at 6 
per cent., the interest of which was distributed to the 
poor in 1634, in sums varying from £i to 2s. 6d.; at 
the same time a part of the said monies, amounting to 
<£326 appears to have been in the hands of several 
persons, on bond, in sums of £5 and under. 

In 1634, Laurence Gibbons gave £20 to be paid to 
the common council of this town, and employed by 
them for the benefit of poor tradesmen, free of the town. 
In 1635, Richard Castleman gave £50 to be paid to 
the aldermen, and lent out by them as they should 
think fit, whereby the revenues thereof might be for 
ever continued for the use of the poor, once a year to 
be distributed amongst them that should stand in most 
need. In 1650, James Walsh gave £20 to l>e put out 
and employed for the benefit of the poor of this town, 
for ever. 

It appears from the same book, that as late as the 
year 1671, interest was received for monies lent, called 
the Poor’s Stock, by the mayor, for the time being, 
and distributed to the poor, subsequently to which, we 
have not been able to find any trace of these monies. 


applet’s gift. 

Robert Appley, (w hose gift to the almshouse, now 
called Paige’s almshouse, has been already mentioned) 


123 


bj his will, bearing dale 7th October, 1594, gave to 
William Collybeare, then mayor of Barnstaple, and 
ten others, and their heirs, two messuages and two 
gaidens at Barnstaple, hounded by the town wall on 
the "est, and tlie street called Boutport on the east, 
upon tmst, to permit the mayor and aldermen of the 
town of Barnstaple, for the time being, to receive the 
rents and profits of the said premises, which persons 
should pay an annuity of £4 5 s. 2d. to his wife for 
life; and after her death, should take the rents and 
profits thereof, until there should be a sum of £100 
levied thereof, which he directed should be lent forth 
without interest, from time to time, for ever, to young 
householders w ho would give good surety unto the sard 
mayor and aldermen, for the time being, for the 
repayment thereof, by such portions and sums, and for 
such terms, as by the said mayor and aldermen, and 
by the common council of the said town, for the time 
being, should be thought meet; and after the said sum 
of <£100 should be levied as aforesaid, he directed that 
all the rents, fines, and profits, that should from 
thenceforth arise from the said premises, should be by 
the said mayor and aldermen received, and by them 
disposed to the relief, behoof and benefit of poor 
people inhabiting within the borough of Barnstaple, 
from time to time, for ever. 

One of these houses in Boutport street, is now held 
by Mary Fisher, under a lease granted by the corpo¬ 
ration, bearing date 31st May, 1S00, for 60 years 
from the ensuing Midsummer, to William Fisher, at 
a clear rent of £b 5 s. per annum. It appears, to 


124 


have been previously let for a similar term, at the rent 
of £2 per annum. The house has been re-built since 
the existing lease was granted, and is estimated to be 
worth about £14 per annum, clear rent. 

The other house is now held by the Rev. Henry 
Nicholls, under a lease, bearing date 16th June, 1806, 
granted by the corporation to Samuel Bremridge, the 
elder, whose daughter Mr. Nicholls married, for 60 
years, from the ensuing Midsummer, at the clear 
yearly rent of £2 10s. in consideration of a surrender 
of a lease for a similar term, commencing in 1770, at 
the rent of £2 per annum. This house was improved 
and partly re-built by Mr. Bremridge, after the existing 
lease was granted. It is estimated to be worth about 
£15 per annum, clear rent. The addition to the rent 
of 10s. per annum, appears to have been a very small 
consideration for the extension of the lessee’s interest 
in this house, [h.] 

The only reason assigned for the corporation having 
granted leases for terms of so long duration, is, that 
this was till lately the usual mode of leasing the pre¬ 
mises in Barnstaple belonging to that body. 

The sum of £100 directed by Mr. Appley’s will to 
be raised out of these premises, given by him, appears 
in the before-mentioned list, dated in 1633, of monies 
given to be lent to the poor of Barnstaple; but we 
find no subsequent trace of it. 

The rents of these houses, together with these of the 
lands in the parish of Piltori, given by Adam Lugg, 
and the annuity of 40$. given by Richard Ferris, senior, 
as hereinafter stated, have been for a great number of 


125 


years received by the overseers of the poor of this 
parish, and carried to their general account, in aid of 
the poor’s rates. The earliest overseers’ account hook 
produced to us, commences in 1725, at which time, 
the income of these gifts was thus disposed of, and the 
application of them may probably have been the same 
at a much earlier period. 

As this mode of disposing of the rents, in aid of 
those who are bound by the law to contribute to the 
support of the poor, rather than for the benefit of the 
poor people themselves, appeared to us a complete 
deviation from the intentions of these benefactors; a 
meeting of the parishioners of Barnstaple was at our 
suggestion held, on the 7th of October, 1822, for the 
purpose of taking into consideration the application of 
these gifts, at which it was resolved :—1st. That the 
receipt and distribution of the charities of Robert 
Appley, and Richard Ferris, senior, should for the 
future be placed in the hands of the mayor and corpo¬ 
ration, according to the wills of the donors; and 2dly, 
That the receipt and distribution of the charity of Adam 
Lugg, should for the future, be committed to the 
mayor and corporation, on condition, that the minister 
and churchwardens should be allowed to be present at 
such distribution. 

It onl v remains, therefore, for the persons entrusted 
with the distribution of these gifts, to dispose of them 
annually for the benefit of the poor, in such manner as 
shall most fully carry into effect the charitable inten¬ 
tions of the donors. 


126 


lugg’s gift. 


Adam Lugg, by his wilt, bearing date 3rd January, 
1622,and proved in the Prerogative Court ofCanterbury, 
gave to the poor of the town of Barnstaple, £100 to 
be bestowed by his executors and overseers, to remain 
for ever to the use of the poor of the said town. 

By indenture, bearing date 23d August, 1632, 
between William Palmer, of the one part, and Richard 
Medford and Gilbert Paige and George Lugg, executor 
of the will of the said Adam Lugg, of the other part; 
reciting, that George Peard esq. being possessed of a 
messuage or tenement, and 14 acres of land, in the 
parish of Pi 1 ton, whereof the doses thereinafter men¬ 
tioned were lately parcel, for the term of SO years 
commencing from the 10th of July, 7th Charles 1st ; 
and being likewise interested in the said tenement and 
14 acres of land, for the term of 2,000 years, to cont¬ 
inence from the 26th of June, 1710, had, by two 
several indentures, bearing date 10th August, 8th 
Charles 1st, assigned to the said William Palmer, then 
mayor of Barnstaple, bis executors, &c. a marsh, con¬ 
taining two acres ; a close called the Shovel I, containing 
one acre ; a close called Eastman’s ground, containing 
three acres; and another close, containing two acres, 
parcel of the said premises in the parish of Pilton, fbr 
the residue of the said term of 80 years, and for the 
said term of 2,000 years; the said William Palmer 
thereby published and declared, that the said two 
several terms were purchased by the said George Lugg, 
for the use, benefit and profit of the poor of the inha- 


127 


bilants of the borough and parish of Barnstaple, 
according* to the will of the said Adam Lugg; and 
that the rents of the before-mentioned premises, ought 
to be employed for the benefit and relief of the poor of 
the said borough and parish accordingly. 

The said William Palmer, by indenture, bearing 
date 20th July, 1648, for the continuance of the trusts 
for the poor of the said borough and parish of Barn¬ 
staple, and the performance of the charitable intentions 
of the said Adam Lugg, assigned the above-mentioned 
premises to Richard Harris, then mayor of Barnstaple, 
and five others, merchants, of the same place ; and a 
subsequent trust deed of the premises, was made by 
the surviving trustee in 1667, to William Westcombe, 
mayor, Nicholas Dennys, deputy recorder, George 
Rooke, alderman, Thomas Matthews, and nine others, 
capital burgesses, and John Stevens, town clerk of 
Barnstaple. 

We have not been able to find any trust deeds of 
these lands subsequent to this period, and leases of 
them have of late years been granted by the church¬ 
wardens and overseers. 

The above-mentioned property consists of four 
fields:— 




A. R. P. 

In the occupation of John Andtew, under an 
agreement for a lease for 14 years, from Lady-day 
1821, determinable at the end of 7 or 14 years, at 

1 

Beaple’s Close 

a i o 

2 

Lark Lees 

2 3 0 

the yearly rent of 14b 5s. 

a 

Willow Plot 

0 3 26 

in the occupation of John Folland, under an 
agreement for a similar term, from the same 

4 

Ti.e Marsh 

i 2 20 

8 4 6 

period, at the yearly rent of 10b 15s. 

M 









128 


These lettings were by public auction ; but the 
tenants had not at the time of our investigation executed 
the leases, and (lie rents being considered too high, 
some of the parishioners had been appointed to make 
an arrangement with the tenants, for lowering them to 
a fair amount. 

An entry in the said old book of mayor’s accounts, 
stales, that the £100 given by Adam Lugg, not being 
sufficient for the purchase of the said lands at Pilton, 
the town disbursed £13 16s. 6d. towards the purchase, 
which, in 1634, was wholly repaid ; and that from 
thenceforward the whole profits of the land were to be 
employed for the use of the poor, by the churchwar¬ 
dens and overseers of the poor, and to be by them, 
from year to year, accounted for. It is probable, 
therefore, that the rents may have been ever since that 
time carried to the overseers’ general account. 

We have stated in the account of Appley’s gift, 
the resolution which has been adopted by the parish¬ 
ioners, for the future distribution of the rents of this 
property, by the mayor and corporation, in the 
presence of the minister and churchwardens ; in 
consequence of which, it is to be hoped, that the poor 
people of Barnstaple, the object of this donor’s bounty, 
will henceforward receive the benefits which he 
intended for them. 


RICHARD FERRIS, SENIOR’S, GIFT. 

Richard Ferris, senior, by his will, bearing date 
27tli June, 1622, gave to the mayor, aldermen, and 



129 


burgesses of Barnstaple, 40s. yearly, for the use and 
benefit of the poor of that parish, to be paid out of a 
messuage and garden in Holland street, Barnstaple. 

The statement of this will is taken from a recital in 
a conveyance of this house, dated 31st May, 1654, 
from William Westcombe and Mary his wife, to Mary 
Thorne, whereby the said Mary Thorne covenanted to 
pay the said annuity of 40s. according to the effect of 
the will of the said Richard Ferris. 

The annual sum of 406*. is now paid by Mrs. Dene, 
as the owner of the house charged therewith. 

The manner in which this rent-charge lias been 
hitherto employed, and its intended application for the 
future, have been already noticed in the above account 
of Appley’s gift. 


SIR JOHN ACLAND’s GIFT. 

The particulars of Sir John AclaiuPs gift in 1616, 
to this borough (amongst other places,) of an annuity 
of 52s. directed to be paid to the mayor for the time 
being, for providing, weekly, 13 penny loaves, to be 
distributed to 13 of the poorest sort of people of the 
borough, appointed by the mayor and four of the most 
ancient masters of the borough, have been already 
stated in a former Report, in the account of the 
charities of the city of Exeter, [j.] 

The annual sum of £2 12 s. is received by the 
churchwardens and overseers of the poor ot Barnstaple, 
from the chamber of Exeter* No weekly distribution 

kS 



130 


of bread takes place, in the manner prescribed by the 
donor; but the whole sum, together with 20s, arising 
from Horsham's gift, and 12s. arising from Webber's 
gift, hereinafter mentioned, is laid out annually, shortly 
after Christmas, in the purchase of penny and two¬ 
penny loaves, which are distributed by the church¬ 
wardens and overseers, amongst the poor inhabitants 
of Barnstaple, whether receiving parochial relief or not. 


horsham's gift. 

Hugh Horsham, by his w ill, hearing date 3d January, 
1653, as appears from the before-mentioned old book 
of mayor's accounts, gave to the poor of the town of 
Barnstaple, <£20, to remain for ever, the interest and 
benefit thereof to be bestowed in bread, and distributed 
to the poor of the said town, every Candlemas eve, 
for ever. 

The annual sum of 20s. which is understood to be 
the interest of this sum of £20, is paid by the corpora¬ 
tion of Barnstaple to the churchw ardens and overseers, 
and by them disposed of in the manner above stated, 
in the account of Sir John Acland’s gift. 


werber’s gift. 


Thomas Webber, by his will, bearing date 20th 
May, 1696, gave to the poor of Barnstaple, 12s. per 
annum, in bread, to be distributed among them on S* 





131 


Thomas’s day, for ever, and thereby charged three 
tenements, and a garden thereto adjoining, situate in 
Pilton, with the payment thereof. 

This statement of the will is taken from a recital in 
a conveyance of these premises, dated in 1728, from 
Humphry Dene and Arthur Tucker, to Alexander 
Beare. 

Miss Reed, as the owner of a garden in Pilton, 
called Yeolands, pays this annuity to the churchwardens 
and overseers of Barnstaple, by whom it is disposed of, 
in the manner above stated, in the account of Sir John 
Acland’s gift. 


westlake’s gift. 

Katherine Westlake, of Barnstaple, widow, by her 
will, bearing date 19th April, 1636, gave to her 
executors .§£300, to the intent that they should put forth 
the same into some good hands for profit, and that 
the increase and profit thereof should, yearly, be 
distributed amongst the poor artificers of the town of 
Barnstaple, according to the discretion of her said 
executors; the said gift to continue for ever. And she 
directed, that when three of her executors should be 
dead, the two survivors should associate to themselves 
three others, inhabitants of the said town, and so from 
time to time for ever, as often as by death they should 
be reduced to two, having regard to those of the 
common council of the said town, and likewise to those 
of her kindred; which persons should have the same 



132 


powers, as if they had been appointed by her will, to 
execute all things, as her executors might do. She 
also gave to the executors c£100, to the intent that they 
should, yearly, distribute the profit thereof amongst 
such poor young men and women, within the said town 
of Barnstaple, as should be newly come out of their 
apprenticeship, towards the setting up of their trade 
and better livelihood ; and she appointed Bichard 
Beaple, William Parnell, George Peard, Richard 
Medford, and Richard Ferris, to be her executors. 

By a decree of commissioners of charitable uses, 
bearing date 17th January, 1667, it was (amongst 
other things) directed, that the two surviving trustees 
of this gift should, within three weeks after they should 
be reduced to that number, by writing, under their 
hands and seals, associate to themselves three other 
persons to act in the management of tiie trusts; that no 
trustee should keep in his hands any of the money 
belonging to the said trust on interest; that once in 
every year due distribution should be made of the 
profit of the said money ; and that the trustees, once,in 
every year, should render an account to the mayor and 
aldermen of Barnstaple, for the time being, of their 
acting in the said trust, [k.] 

It appears, from the accounts of this charity, that 
the sum of c£400 given by Mrs. Westlake, was in 1749 
and 1750, (previously to which time it had been lent 
on bond,) laid out in the purchase of ,£390 old South 
Sea Annuities, in which stock it now remains, the y early 
dividends being ] 14s. 


133 


The last deed for appointing* new trustees is dated in 
1788, of whom Mr. John May, senior, is the only 
survivor. In 1808., the above-mentioned stock was 
transferred into the names of the said Mr. John May, 
senior, Mr. John May, junior, Mr. Edward Richard 
[Richards] Roberts, and Mr. Henry Drake, and is now 
standing in their names. No appointment of new 
trustees, under hand and seal, was then made, but at 
the time of our investigation it was intended that this 
should be done. 

The four trustees of the stock meet annually* when 
each of them appoints a poor person of Barnstaple, 
whose apprenticeship has lately expired, to receive 15s. 
making in the whole £3 as the interest of £100 men¬ 
tioned in the latter clause of Mrs. Westlake’s will. 
The persons receiving these sums sign receipts for them 
in the book relating to the charity. The residue of the 
dividends, being £8 14s. is distributed about Christmas 
amongst poor artificers of the town, in small sums, 
varying from Is. to 2s. 6d. by two of the trustees, who 
go from house to house, selecting those whom they 
consider the most proper objects of the charity. At 
Christmas 1821, the sum of £7 Is. only was thus 
given, £l 13s. being reserved towards the expense of 
the proposed new trust deed. A list of the persons 
receiving this part of the gift, with the sum given to 
each, is entered in the book ; but it has not hitherto 
been usual to render an account to the mayor and 
aldermen of Barnstaple, as directed by the above- 
mentioned decree. 


134 


baron’s gift. 

George Baron, by indenture, bearing date 20th 
January, 1681, granted and assigned to Joseph Fraine, 
and three others, and their heirs, a yearly rent-charge 
of £6 issuing out of an estate lying in or called by the 
name of Brinsworthy, in the parish of Fremington, 
upon trust, that they should at all times thereafter, upon 
receipt of this rent-charge, or within ten days at the 
farthest, distribute the same amongst the most neces¬ 
sitous persons, baize-makers, and their widows, 
inhabiting within the town of Barnstaple, or the limits 
or precincts thereof, in such proportions as the trustees, 
in their discretion, should think fit, respect being had 
to the necessities of the receivers thereof. And it was 
declared, that when the trustees should be reduced to 
two, the survivors should appoint two others. 

This statement is taken from a recital in the last 
deed, dated in 1788, for appointing new trustees, of 
whom Mr. John May, senior, is the survivor. 

The gentlemen in whose names the stock held under 
Mrs. Westlake’s gift is now invested, also act as 
trustees of this gift, and at the time of our investigation 
it was intended that they should be appointed trustees 
thereof by deed. 

The annuity of £6 is received from the Reverend 
Samuel May, the owner of the property charged 
therewith, and is distributed publicly in the Guildhall, 
one or two days before Christmas, amongst poor 
weavers of coarse woollen cloths, and their widows, 
appointed by the trustees, in small sums, varying from 


135 


Is. to 4s. according to their necessities. A list is kept 
of the persona receiving the donation, who usually 
continue to have the benefit of it during their lives, if 
they conduct themselves well, and reside in the town 
of Barnstaple. The manufacture of baize has nearly 
ceased in this town, and this charity has for many 
years been extended to the description of persons to 
whom it is now given. 

At Christmas 1820, the distribution was made to 
62 persons, and at Christmas 1821, to 56 persons, the 
sum of £1 7s. having been in the latter year reserved 
towards the expense of the proposed new trust deed. 


Richard ferris’s gift. 

Richard Ferris, of Barnstaple, by his will, bearing 
date 19th June, 1646, gave to John Downe, Nicholas 
Dennys, and three others, whom he appointed his 
executors, and their heirs, his manor, messuages, 
lands and tenements, called Middleton, situate in the 
parish of Parracombe, upon trust, to take the rents 
and profits thereof, and pay them to his brother, John 
Ferris, for his life; and after his brother’s decease, the 
testator directed that there should be yearly, for ever, 
raised out of the issues and profits of the said manor 
and premises, the sum of £10 which should be paid by 
his executors, yearly, to such able schoolmaster as 
should be appointed by the mayor and aldermen, to 
teach children in the town of Barnstaple. And he 
further directed, that £20 more of the yearly rents and 



136 


profits of the said manor and premises, after the death 
of his said brother, should be, from time to time, 
yearly raised by his executors, and by them employed, 
for ever, towards the binding forth of such poor chil¬ 
dren of the said town of Barnstaple, apprentices, as 
the parents of them should not be of ability to prefer. 
And he gave the rents and profits of the said manor 
and premises (the said two annuities excepted) to his 
wife and her heirs, for ever. 

The manor and estate, called Middleton, have been 
conveyed, from time to time, to trustees, upon the 
trusts of Mr. Ferris’s will. The last trust deed is 
dated in 1815, under which seven trustees are now 
living. The two annuities of £10 and £20 are received 
by Mr. Henry Drake, town clerk of Barnstaple, as the 
agent of the trustees, from Mr. William Dovell, who 
is at present in the receipt of the rents and profits of 
the premises. 

The application of the former annuity will be stated 
in the account of the grammar-school, in a subsequent 
part of this Report. The latter is applied in appreu* 
ticeing poor children of parishioners of Barnstaple, a 
preference being given to natives of the town. The 
rent is usually received about Midsummer, and shortly 
afterwards notice is given of a day on which persons 
are to make applications, who wish to have their 
children apprenticed. On that day, after an investi¬ 
gation of the claims of the applicants, and the fitness 
of the proposed masters or mistresses, by the Reverend 
William Spurway, one of the trustees, who lias had 
of late years the principal management of the charity. 


137 


such children as are considered by him proper objects 
are ordered to be apprenticed, a premium of £4 being 
given with each boy, and of £2 with each girl. A 
book is kept, containing an account of the receipt and 
expenditure of the charity, in which are entered the 
names of the children, and of the persons to whom 
they are apprenticed. 

in 1812, the above-mentioned annuities were exone¬ 
rated from land tax, which had been previously deducted 
out of them. In the same year, a sum of £6 was given 
by James Hammett, esquire, in aid of this charity, 
which was carried to the general account. 

It there are not a sufficient number of applicants for 
the benefit of the charity, the balance is carried to the 
next year’s account. On the account, as settled for the 
year 1821, the balance remaining in Mr. H. Drake’s 
hands was £1 15 s. 2d. No charge is made by that 
gentleman, for keeping the accounts. 


phillips’s gift. 

It is stated in an inscription upon a tablet in the 
church, that John Phillips, who died in 1734, gave <£100 
to be laid out in the [some] purchase, for the use of the 
poor in Litchdon almshouse, the profits thereof to be 
paid at Christmas, 10s. thereof to the reader; <£200 
more to be laid out in some purchase, for the use of 
the charity school; and 40s. a year, forever, to the 
poor in the almshouses in the alms-lane and the court 
thereof, equally; and directed that his executor, 
T 



138 


Mr. Henry Beavis, and his assigns, should be trustees 
of his said legacies and purchases. 

The application of the said <£100 and .£200 will be 
found in other parts of this report. 

It is further stated, in the said inscription, that £4Q 
the computed value of the said legacy of 40s a year, 
together with £24 the produce thereof, was laid out in 
the purchase of the clear rent-charge of 50s. to be 
issuing out of three closes of land at Maidenford, in 
the parish of Barnstaple, called Fox’s Park, by half- 
yearly payments at Midsummer and Christmas. 

The present owner of Fox’s Park, Mr.-Pomeroy, 

pays 25 s at Midsummer, and 25s. at Christmas, to 
one of the poor women in Paige’s almshouse, who dis¬ 
tributes the same, together with \s. added to each half 
yearly payment, by Colonel Beavis, the son of Mr. 
Henry Beavis, and the present trustee of this gift, 
amongst 26 poor almspeople ; viz. 16 in Horwood’s 
almshouse, 8 in Paige’s almshouse, and 2 in Harris’s 
almshouse, i s. to each. 


drake’s gift. 

Elizabeth Drake, by her will, bearing date 18th 
March, 1755, and proved in the Prerogative Court of 
Canterbury, devised a dwelling-house, in Joy-Street, 
Barnstaple, with the brewing furnace, utensils, and 
household furniture, let therewith to John Scott, Philip 
Furze, John Rogers, and James Hiern, for all the term 
and estate she should have therein at her death, upon 



139 


trust, after the decease of her husband, Henry Drake, 
to let the premises at a yearly rent, and to pay out of 
the yearly rent to the churchwardens of Barnstaple, 
2s. 6d. and to the sexton thereof, 2s. 6d until he r 
sepulchre should be opened, and to distribute the 
residue of the rents and profits, one half amongst such 
of the poor of the parish of Barnstaple, and the other 
half amongst such of the poor of the parish of Pilton 
as they should think fit, preferring such poor persons 
of each parish as might be related to her then husband, 
or her former husband, Walter Tucker, deceased, on 
the 28th of February in every year, during her said 
term and interest in the premises, with a power from 
time to time, when any one of the trustees should die, 
for the survivors to add to themselves others, not 
exceeding three at one time. 

The gift of this house by will for charitable purposes, 
was void by the statute of mortmain, 9 Geo. 2. and no 
claim to it can be established by the objects of the 
bounty of the testatrix. Mr. Philip Welsh Hiern, of 
Barnstaple, is now in the receipt of the rents and 
profits of it, and informs us that he makes certain 
charitable payments in respect thereof, but considers 
them to be altogether voluntary on his part, [r,.] 


TIPPETTS’S GIFT. 

Henry Gardner Tippetts, by his will, bearing date 
14th June, 1795, and proved in the Prerogative Court 
of Canterbury, charged a' field called Hole Ground, in 



140 


the parish of Barnstaple, which he thereby gave to 
Elizabeth Symes Warmington, and her heirs, with the 
payment of 40s. a year, for ever, to be paid to the 
poor of Litchdon almshouse, at Christmas, in equal 
proportions ; and with the further payment of 26s. a 
year, for ever, to be paid in like manner among the 
poor of the Alms-lane, in Barnstaple; and with the 
further payment of 40s. a year, for ever, to be distri¬ 
buted at Christmas in bread, among the poor 
inhabitants of the borough of Newport, near Barnstaple ; 
and he directed, that the said charities should be 
publicly distributed by the officiating clergyman of 
Barnstaple, and by the officiating' clergyman of Bishop’s 
Tawton, for the time being. 

The field called Hole Ground, is now the property 
of the Rev. George Tucker, whose tenant, Mr. William 
Slocombe, pays £1 13s. at Michaelmas, and the same 
sum at Christmas, in each year, to the parish clerk of 
Barnstaple, who at each of these times distributes the 
said sums amongst the 60 almspeople, to each 6d. viz. 
40 in Penrose’s almshouse, 16 in H or wood’s alms¬ 
house, 8 in Paige’s almshouse, and 2 in Harris’s? 
almshouse. I lie distribution used to be made by the 
vicar of Barnstaple, but has been latterly entrusted to 
the parish clerk. Mr. Slocombe also transmits to the 
vicar of Bishop’s Tawton, £2 at Christmas, for the 
poor of the borough of Newport, in that parish, the 
distribution of which will be stated in the account of 
the charities of that parish. 


141 


CORDWAINERTS LANDS. 

Various old accounts were produced to us, dated in 
the early part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, which 
tend to show, that there existed at that time a company 
or fellowship of Cordwainer’s, in the town of Barnstaple, 
governed by a master and wardens, in some instances 
stiled the master and wardens of the occupation of 
Cordwainers, and in others the master and wardens 
“of the Trynitie,” but no such company is nowin 
existence. 

The earliest deed that we have found relating to 
these lands, bears date 1st April, 1633, whereby, after 
reciting that Paul Worth, and Thomas Clarke, deceased, 
by their indenture, bearing date 29th March, 39th 
Elizabeth, had granted and enfeoffed to George Baker, 
and Richard Jeffery, together with others deceased, all 
those messuages, lands, tenements, rents, reversions, 
and services in Barnstaple, Bideford, Hartland, Newport 
Bishop, and Pilton, which premises lying in Barnstaple 
aforesaid, then or lately before, were in the several* 
tenures of Adam Wyatt, John Rowe, and Nicholas 
Budd ; and also, all those messuages, lands, tenements, 
rents, &c. situate in Barnstaple, Bideford, Hartland, 
Newport Bishop, and Pilton, which the said Paul 
Worth, and Thomas Clarke had, by the grant of 
John Manning, and others, to hold the said premises 
to the said George Baker, Richard Jeffery and others, 
and their heirs for ever ; the said George Baker and 
Richard Jeffery, in performance of the trust by the said 
Paul Worth and Thomas Clarke, in them reposed, 


142 


granted and enfeoffed Richard Ferris, then mayor of 
Barnstaple, and nineteen others, and their heirs, all 
the said messuages, lands, tenements, rents, &c.; and 
also all the messuages, lands, tenements, rents, &c. 
lying in Barnstaple, Bideford, Hartland, Newport 
Bishop, and Pilton, which the said George Baker and 
Richard Jeffery had, bv the grant of the said Paul 
Worth and Thomas Clarke, to the intent and purpose, 
that the said Richard Ferris and others, should, \early, 
on 25th October, out of the issues and profits of the said 
premises, distribute or cause to be distributed, amongst 
the poor people of the said town of Barnstaple, 3s. 4c/. 

Although tins deed professes to convey lands, &c. 
in the several parishes enumerated therein, it is to be 
observed, that the only property specified bv the names 
of the lessees thereof, is described as situate in the 
parish of Barnstaple, and then in the tenure of Adam 
Wyatt, John Rowe, and Nicholas Budd. The same 
names occur in the above-mentioned old accounts of 
tenants, as paying rent, of whom there never appear to 
have been more than three at any one time. 

The Cordwarners* lands in Barnstaple are more 
particularly described in the following, being the latest 
trust deed ; and from the commencement of the old 
accounts to the present time, we find no trace of the 
trustees being in possession of the property in any other 
parish, whatever may have been the case at a still 
earlier period. 

By indenture, bearing date, 4th April, 1787, Simon 
Moule, as the surviving feoffee of the lands and 
tenements belonging to the fellowship of Cordwainers, 


143 


granted enfeoffed to Mourner Rochand nineteen others, 
and their heirs, a tenement, curtilage, and garden, 
situate in Anchor-lane, Barnstaple, between the lands 
of the feoffees of the Long Bridge of Barnstaple, 
together with the lands of John Dart, and of the heirs 
of Bear, on the north; the lands theretofore of John 
Coffin, on the south, the lands theretofore of Harry 
Jeffery, together with the lands of the heirs of Bear, 
on the west; and the lane called Anchor lane, on the 
east; which said tenement, curtilage and garden, were 
theretofore in the occupation of John Jeffery, since of 
James Kimpland, afterwards of Catherine Paddon, late 
of John Baker, and then of Nicholas Glass, and which 
said premises were formerly known by the sign of the 
King and Queen; and also a messuage or dwelling- 
house, situate in High-Street, Barnstaple, formerly in 
the occupation of Daniel Marriott, afterwards, of 
Richard Thorn, and then of Nicholas Glass; and also 
a tenement, with a curtilage thereunto adjoining, in 
Barnstaple, between the tenement appertaining to the 
late charity of St. Nicholas, of Barnstaple, on the 
north ; a tenement, then in the occupation of Robert 
Gribble, on the south; a lane called Paige-Iane, on the 
west; and the High street, on the east; and also a 
garden, then converted into two gardens, near adjoin¬ 
ing to the Casde of Barnstaple, between the lands 
appertaining to the late chantry of the Blessed Virgin 
Mar>, of Barnstaple, on the north ; the lands apper¬ 
taining to the late Priory of Pilton, on the south and 
east; and the lands of the mayor, aldermen and 
burgesses of Barnstaple, on the west; which said 


144 


tenement, curtilage and garden, were some time in the 
occupation of Elizabeth Vaughan, late of Elizabeth 
Bicknell, and JohnBicknell, her father, or one of them, 
and then of James Hiern, apothecary, together with 
all other houses, &c. in Barnstaple, Bideford, Hartland ? 
Newport Bishop, and Pilton, mentioned in the original 
deed of feoffment thereof, made to the said Simon 
Moule, and others; upon trust, that the rents and profits 
of all the said premises, should be from time to time, by 


No. 

PARISH. 

LESSEE. 

TENEMENTS. 

1 

Barnstaple 

Nicholas Glass, now 
George Harris. 

Two small tenements, with stables and small 
courtages, in Anchor-lane, let to under tenants, 
and a back kitchen, with a laundry over, oc¬ 
cupied by the present lessee. 

9 

Do. 

Nicholas Glass, now 
George Harris. 

Part of a shop in High-street, with a passage 
and staircase behind, and the rooms over the 
same, occupied by an under tenant of the 
lessee. 

3 

Do. 

James Hiern, novr 
Philip Welch Hiern. 

The southern part of the front of a house in 
High-street, and all the back part of the same 
house, together withag^den near the castle, 
and a shed lately built thereon by the lessee. 


The whole of the premises comprised in No. 1, are 
estimated to be worth about <£14 per annum. The 
premises, No. 2 and 3, are so united with freehold 
land belonging to the respective lessees, that it is 
difficult to give an accurate statement of their value. 

In 1731, a lease was granted of No. 1, in consider¬ 
ation of a fine of £ 70 for 60 years from that time. 
This lease was renewed in 1761, in consideration of a 
fine of ,£12 for 30 years, from 1791, and again renewed 
in 1794, as stated in the rental. In 1758, a lease was 
granted of No. 2, in consideration of a fine of <£3 3s • 













145 


Simon Motile, and the said parties of the second part, 
and the survivors of them, employed to such uses and 
purposes as the said premises were first given and 
enfeoffed, with a proviso for the appointment of sixteen 
new trustees when the number should be reduced to 
four. Four of the feoffees appointed by this deed are 
now living. 

o 

The present state of this property is shown by the 
following Rental:— 


TERM. 

Date of last Renewal. 

Fine Paid on 
last 

Renewal. 

RENT. 

S3 years, from 6th April, 
1821 

17 th December, 1794 

£ s. d. 

13 16 0 

£ s. d. 

0 4 0 

40years, from 25th March 
1813 

29th September, 179* 

j 20 0 0 

0 8 O 

31 years, from Lady-day, 
1816 

13th February, 1787 

16 0 0 

I 0 0 

[*!•] 


for 60 years from that time, which was renewed in 
1798, as stated in the rental . In 1744, a lease was 
granted of No. 3, for 60 years, to commence in 1756, 
after the expiration of a term of 99 years, which had 
been granted in reversion of a previous term of 90 years, 
commencing in 36 Elizabeth. The rent of No. I, 
appears from the old accounts to have been formerly 
10^. but in the lease of 1731, the rent reserved was 
the same as at present. The rents of the other pre¬ 
mises have been always the same. 

u 












146 


The mode that has been adopted of granting leases 
of these premises for 60 years, and renewing such leases 
after the expiration of about one half of the term, is 
stated to have been also customary in letting the houses 
belonging to the corporation of Barnstaple; but it 
appears to us to be a disadvantageous mode of leasing 
the property belonging to a charity, as it is not to be 
expected that the fines to be obtained for such rever¬ 
sionary leases, will bear an adequate proportion to the 
actual value of the premises. 

This property is subject to two chief rents of Is. 
each to the trustees of Barnstaple bridge, and to those 
of Bideford bridge, and to a rent to the Castle Court 
of 2 \d. 

One of the feoffees acting as treasurer, has received 
the rents and fines, and made occasional distributions 
of them. We have examined the accounts from 1761 
to the present time, and find that a distribution has 
taken place after the receipt of each fine, and that there 
have also been occasional distributions of the rents in 
the treasurer’s hands, in small sums, among poor 
shoemakers of Barnstaple, and their widows. The 
last distribution wqs made in 1820, when the sum of 
<£10 8s. 7\d. arising from the rents for seven years 
preceding, was thus given away, by Mr. Samuel 
Bremridge, then treasurer, but since deceased, in sums 
varying from Is. to 3s.; a small balance of 8s. Id . 
remained at the time of our inquiry, in the chest, 
containing the documents relating to these lands, which 
is now in the possession of John Roberts, esquire, one 
of the surviving feoffees. 


147 


GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 

ferris’s gift. 

The will of Richard Ferris, bearing date 19th June 
1646, has been already staled, by which he gave an 
annuity of a£10 to be paid to such able schoolmaster as 
should be appointed by the mayor and aldermen of 
Barnstaple, to teach children in that town. 

wright’s gift. 

By deed, bearing date 23d August 1760, John 
Wright, Clerk, A. M. master of the grammar school 
of Barnstaple, being moved with gratitude, after receiv¬ 
ing for nearly 20 years the annuity of <£10 given by 
Richard Ferris to that grammar school, for the benefit 
of the master thereof, and considering that the said 
school had the smallest foundation of any grammar 
school in Devon, gave to the mayor and aldermen of 
Barnstaple and their successors <£100, then placed in 
four per cent bank annuities, on trust, to place out the 
said sum from time to time on the best security that 
could be had, and for the most interest that could be 
got, and to receive the yearly interest, and pay the 
same unto the said John Wright, as long as he should 
continue actual master of the said school, and after his 
resignation or death, to pay the interest to every suc¬ 
ceeding master of the said school for the time being, 
for his better support and maintenance ; and as every 
preceding master of the said school had been of the 
degree of master of arts, it was his particular desire, 


148 


that in case any future master should be elected to the 
said school, not of that degree at the time of his 
elect ion, such person should take the degree of A. M. 
as soon as conveniently might be after his election ; and 
if at any time thereafter, any of his descendants should 
happen to stand candidate for the mastership of the 
said grammar school, it was bis desire that he should, 
cceteris paribiis , have the preference, on his conform¬ 
ing to the rules and conditions in the said deed 
expressed ; provided, that if it should happen that any 
future master of the said school should neglect to 
attend and perform the duty thereof as he ought to do, 
and such neglect should appear to the mayor and aider- 
men for the time being, to be wilfully committed, it 
should be lawful for them (no prejudice being visible) 
to withhold such yearly interest from such neglectful 
master, and to keep the same in arrear in their hands, 
or to add the same to the said principal sum of £T0O 
as should be most beneficial to the next succeeding 
master. 

The above-mentioned £T00 is now invested in two 
deeds poll of the Barnstaple turnpike trust for £50 
each, bearing interest at four per cent; the interest 
thereof, and the annuity of ,£10 derived from Richard 
Ferris’s gift are paid to the Rev. Henry Nicholls, A.M. 
the present master of the grammar school, who Was 
appointed to that situation by the corporation in 1795. 
An ancient building in the church-yard is used as a 
school-room, and is kept in repair by the corporation, 
who have also voluntarily permitted the present master 
to reside in a house in Barnstaple, belonging toThem, 


14S> 


which was not previously appropriated to that purpose. 
The present master, in respect of the above mentioned 
emoluments, instructs one boy free of expense, admitted 
as a vacancy occurs, by the recommendation in writing 
of a majority of the members of the corporation. 
The boy receives a classical education, in common with 
the other scholars in the school, about 30 in number, 
principally day boys of the town of Barnstaple. 


CHARITY SCHOOL. 

This school was established in 1710, and various 
donations of money and rent-charges have been made 
to it from time to time, which are recorded in tablets 
in the church. 

In 1746, an estate, called Francis and Bowden, in 
the parish of Ilfracombe, was purchased and conveyed 
to trustees for the support of this school, subject to a 
rent charge of £4 per annum, for the poor almspeople 
in Penrose’s almshouse. The purchase money of this 
estate was <£1,150 the whole of which had arisen from 
gifts to this school, except £100, which was a legacy 
of John Phillips, to the said almshouse, and in respect 
whereof the said rent-charge of £4 per annum was, 
by the purchase deeds, made payable for ever to 
trustees, for the benefit of the almspeople. A legacy 
of £200, given by the said John Phillips to this school, 
was also included in the said purchase money. 

We have not found the original purchase deeds of 
this estate, but they are recited in the earliest trust 



150 


deeds (bat we have seen, bearing date 9th and 10th 
November, 1755. 

The last trust deeds are dated 19th and 20th Septem¬ 
ber, 1805, under whic h eight trustees are now living. 

The following statement will show the property now 
enjoyed by this establishment:— 


A messuage and farm, called Francis 
and Bowden,in theparisli of Ilfracombe, 
in the occupation of James Watts, con¬ 
taining by estimation, about 160 acres, 
under a lease granted by auction by the 
trustees, tor 11 years, from Lady-day. 
1815, determinable at the end of seven 
years, at the yearly rent of £110, re¬ 
duced 1822, in consequence of the 
depreciation of the produce of land to 

2. —A rent-charge given by the will of 

Thomas Harris, in 1712, issuing out of 
a house in High-street, in the occupa¬ 
tion of Mr. Thomas Scott, near the 
school-house. .... 

3. —A rent-charge given by the will of 

Rebecca Fairchild, in 1714, issuing 
out of a garden adjoining the school- 
house, the property of John Caddy. 

4 —A rent-charge given by the will of 
Elizabeth Watson, in 1715, issuing out 
of a house in High-street, the property 
of Mr. John Dennis. 

5.—A rent-charge given by the will of Ann 
Carpenter, in 1725, issuing out of the 
manor of Stanton Fry, near Minehead, 
the property of John Fownes Luttrell, 
Esquire ..... 


£ s. d. 


9 b o o 


o 8 o 


0 16 0 


1 o o‘ 


10 0 


£ s. d. 


151 


6«—A rent-charge given by Nicholas Dennis, 
(date unknown), issuing out of a house 
in High-street, the property of George 
Northcott . . ' . 

7—A rent-charge given by a codicil to the 
will of James Colley, in 1809, issuing 
out of houses on the Quay, in Barn¬ 
staple, called the New Works, during 
the term which he had therein from the 
corporation of Barnstaple; (about 34 
years of this term are now unexpired.) 

8 . —A rent-charge given by Philip Brem- 

ridge, in 1813, payable out of a house 
in High-street, the property of Joseph 
Evans ..... 

9. --An annuity, paid by the corporation in 

lieu of an annual fish dinner which that 
body was bound to provide for the lord 
of the Castle Court manor, the said 
annuity having been voluntarily given 
to this charity, by the late Sir John 
Chichester, and the present Sir Arthur 
Chichester, as stated in the account of 
Paige’s almshouse 

10,—£124 Old South Sea Annuities, arising 
from £100 given by the will of Mrs. 
Elizabeth Stanbury, after the death of 
her sister Joan Stanbury, producing 
dividends amounting annually to , 

]].—£470 Old South Sea Annuities, arising 
from various donations, producing divi¬ 
dends amounting annually to 

12.—£260 2s. 3d. Three per Cent Consols, 
arising in the same manner, and inclu- 


0 4 0 


2 0 0 


0 13 4 


i o o 


3 12 6 


14 2 0 


152 


£ s. <b 

ding £50 stock, given by the will of 
James Sciance, in 1815, and £50 stock 
given by the will of Thomas Sciance, 
in 1S17, producing dividends amount¬ 
ing annually to . . . . 10 lG 0 

Total annual income . £125 II 10 

We have not found any copies or extracts of the 
instruments by which the above-mentioned rent- 
charges were given, except of those given by James 
Colley and Philip Bremridge. In 1803, Edward Paui 
Pilcher, esquire, gave to this charity one thirty-fifth 
share of the Barnstaple assembly rooms, which was 
afterwards sold by the trustees, with Mr. Pilcher’s 
consent, and the produce thereof, being £40, was 
invested in three per cent consols, and now forms a 
part of the above-mentioned £260 2s. 3d. in that 
stock. 

In 1810, timber was cut on the farm at Ilfracombe, 
and sold for £35 8s. which was carried to the general 
account of the charity. 

In addition to the income arising from the gifts 
above stated, an annual sermon is preached in Barn¬ 
staple church, for the benefit of the charity, which 
usually produces from £25 to £30. 

The school-house is situate in High-street, Barnstaple, 
near [over] the north gate; it was built about 60 years 
ago, at the expense of the corporation, and is kept in 
good repair from the funds of the school. 

The trustees hold two annual meetings, one in July 
or August, for the election of boys into the school, and 



153 


another in September-, when one of the trustees is 
appointed treasurer for the ensuing year, and the trea¬ 
surers accounts for the preceding year are audited, [n.] 
Upon this establishment 50 boys, chosen by the 
trustees from the poor children of Barnstaple, are 
instructed by a schoolmaster, appointed by them,, in 
reading, writing, and arithmetic. The boys are not 
admitted into the school until they are eight years of 
age, or allowed to remain after they are fourteen. 

This school is confined to boys only; but the school 
for girls, hereinafter mentioned, founded by Mrs. 
Alice Horwood, is under the management of the same 
trustees; and both' boys and girls are completely 
clothed once a year, and have shoes and stockings twice 
in the year, from the funds above stated. 

A copy of the annual account, as audited, is printed 
and distributed amongst the inhabitants of Barnstaple. 

The following is an abstract of the account for the 
year ending in September 1821:— 


Schoolmaster’s salary . 

Clothing for boys and girls 

Repairs of the school house (less than the 

usual average). 

Writing paper for the boys • . . 

Printing the annual account, and hymns 
for the annual sermon . 

Rent-charge paid out of Francis and Bow¬ 
dens to Penrose’s almshouse, in respect 
of Phillips’s gift . 


£ 8 . d. 

40 0 0 
81 10 0 

0 13 4 
2 17 0 

l 5 6 


4 0 0 
£130 5 10 


x 



154 


The balance on this year’s account was £8 12s. in 
favour of the charity, which was paid over to the 
incoming treasurer. 


ALICE HORWOOD’s SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. 

Adjoining to Horwood’s almshouse, of which an 
account has already been given, is a house inhabited 
by a school-mistress. An inscription on the almshouse 
states, that Alice Horwood, 46 of her own accord, 
added the adjoining free-school, and endowed it for 
20 poor children for ever, in 1659.” 

We have not been able to find any document relating 
to this endowment; it is not mentioned in Mrs. Hor¬ 
wood’s deed of 1674, relating to an almshouse, of 
which an abstract has been already given, nor is it 
included in the trust deeds relating to the charity school 
for boys, although the trustees of that establishment 
have also the management of this charity. 

There is a tenement, called Gutterstone, at Newport, 
in the parish of Bishop’s Tawton,the rents of which are 
received by the mistress of this school. It consists of 
a house, courtlage, garden, and two closes of land, 
containing 3a. 30p. now in the occupation of John 
Davis, under an agreement, made with the trustees of 
the charity school for boys, for a lease for the term of 
11 years, from Lady-day 1720, at the clear yearly 
rent of £15 10s. which appears to be'the full value of 
the premises. The school-mistress, who is appointed 
by the said trustees, receives this rent, out of which she 



155 


keeps in repair the house inhabited by her, and instructs 
therein, in respect of the emoluments derived from the 
charity, 20 girls, nominated by the trustees, in reading, 
sewing and knitting. The girls are admitted into the 
school at seven years of age, and allowed to remain 
till fourteen, and are clothed out of the funds of the 
charity school, as has been already mentioned in the 
account of that establishment. 


NEWCOMMEN^S G)IFT. 

The particulars of Mrs. Margaret Newcommen’s 
will, dated in 1810, will be stated in the present 
Report, in the account of the chanties of the town of 
Bideford. 

1 wo annual sums of £4 each are pain by her trustees 
to two dissenting school-mistresses, of Barnstaple, 
for teaching poor children of this town to read, [o.] 


MARTIN S GIFT. 

It appears from a copy of a terrier of the vicarage of 
Barnstaple, dated in 1726, that Mrs. Martin, by will, 
the date of which is not stated, gave to the minister of 
Barnstaple the sum of £5 yearly, the better to encou¬ 
rage him to the use and exercise of the necessary duty 
of catechizing of youth in his parish. 

This sum is received by the vicar out of an estate 
called Great Fisherton, in the parish of Bishop’s 
Tawton, now the property of Mrs. Downe. 




156 


The present vicar catechizes the children of the 
charity school twice a year, in the church ; and also, 
occasionally, catechizes the children in a school in this 
parish, on the Madras system, supported by voluntary 
contributions. 


stanbury’s gift for reading prayers. 

Joan Stanbury, by her will, bearing date 10th of 
October, 1772, and proved in the Prerogative Court 
of Canterbury, gave to the vicar and mayor for the 
time being of Barnstaple, and their successors, <£500, 
to be by them placed at interest in the public funds, in 
their names, on trust, to pay the interest thereof to the 
minister, who should daily, throughout the year, do 
the duty of reading prayers, from the liturgy of the 
church of England, in the parish church of Barnstaple, 
to the congregation there assembled, by seven o’clock 
in the morning in the summer, and eight o’clock in 
the morning in the winter; such minister to be chosen 
and removed from time to time by a majority of the 
inhabitants of Barnstaple, of the communion of the 
church of England, and paying church rates there, at 
any public meeting held for that purpose, after sixdays’ 
notice given for such meeting by any ten or more of 
such inhabitants, in the parish church of Barnstaple ; 
and she directed, that if morning prayers should be 
neglected to be read, at the stated times' aforesaid, or 
not in a proper manner, for the space of twenty days 
together, that the interest of the said money, during 



157 


the time that morning prayers should be neglected to 
be read as aforesaid, should, for such neglect, be paid 
and distributed amongst the poor of Barnstaple, not 
having parish relief, as the said inhabitants or the 
major part of them, at any public meeting, after such 
notice given, should think fit. 

This sum of ,£500 is now invested in £624 Os. 6d. 
old South Sea Annuities, in the names of Samuel 
Bremridge, esquire, and the Reverend J. M. Wade, 
late vicar of Barnstaple. The Reverend Henry Lux- 
inoore, the present vicar, upon being instituted to this 
living, about two years since, was also chosen by the 
parishioners to be the reader under this gift, and now 
receives the dividends of this stock ; morning prayers 
have been, for several years, read only once in twenty 
days, with a view to prevent the forfeiture of the gift. 
It is evident, therefore, that the intentions of the 
testatrix are not fulfilled. But the Reverend Henry 
Nieholls, late curate of this parish, and reader, chosen 
under this gift, at the request of the parishioners, per¬ 
formed divine service, a third time, on the Sunday 
evenings, during the winter months, which he con¬ 
sidered himself as doing in lieu of reading morning 
prayers, as directed by Mrs. Stanbury’s will. The 
present vicar has also, during his incumbency, per¬ 
formed such third service during* the winter months, 
but states, that he does not consider himself bound to 
continue it, [p.] 


158 


APPENDIX TO CHAPTER II. 


“ It is absolutely necessary that it should be perfectly understood that 
Sl charity estates all over the kingdom, are dealt with in a manner most grossly 
** improvident, amounting to the most direct breach of trust.” 

Lord Chancellor Eldonu 


Since the Commissioners visited Barnstaple, (in the autumn 
of 1822,) many new leases have been granted of lands 
belonging to the different Charities; notices of these, with 
such other information as 1 have been enabled to procure, 
and a few observations arising out of the subject-matter of 
the report, will be found in the following pages. 

Wherever the present yearly value of property held on 
long leases at low rents, is given, it is done with fidelity 
and impartiality, and with the sole view of shewing how much 
the parties for whose benefit the institutions were set off 
foot, are suffering by the injudicious “ mode” of leasing 
charity lands, &c. which has prevailed here ; and which has 
had the effect of adding to the superfluities of the rich, that 
which was designed to administer to the necessities of thepoor, 

A system so decidedly injurious to the interests of those 
for whose sole benefit the various charitable institutions were 
founded, will not, it is hoped, be again resorted to, since, 
under any circumstances , to lease a property, the yearly 
proceeds of which appertain to any class of persons, but 
more especially the poor, at a rate below its present value , 
is to do an act of injustice to the existing* proprietors of such 
property. Charity pensioners have hut a life-interest in the 
lands or monies by which they are benefited, and being 
necessarily excluded from any share in the management of 



159 


their own funds, it behoves those to whom that management 
*s deputed, (next to a scrupulous regard to the directions and 
intentions of the Donor,) to have an especial eye to the 
interest of the living claimants on his bounty. Should the 
question possibly arise how this object can be best effected, 
a tiustee has only to ask himself this question ; had I a life- 
in teiest in tins property, whilst I performed my duty in 
preserving* it uninjured, should l not also look well to my 
own interest, and reap all possible advantage from it? 

No defence, it is presumed, will be attempted in favour 
of over-leasing arid under-letting lands belonging* to the 
Poor, except in the case of a building lease ; but a slight 
examination will shew even this ground to be untenable. 
Take as an example the house now held by Mr. Fisher, (see 
Appley’s gift, page 123) which produces £5 5 s. per annum 
to the poor; had the premises been let, when the former 
lease expired, at their marketable value, they would have 
certainly produced £15, being a surplus of £9 15 s. above 
the present rent. Now taking the period during which 
Paupers usually receive relief to average fifteen years, four 
generations will be deprived of an annual income of £9 I os. 
arising, (or which ought to arise to them) out of an estate, 
their right to all the rents and profits of which for the time 
being cannot be disputed ! and why? because their suc¬ 
cessors in the fifth and succeeding generations may possibly 
benefit by it; 1 have said “ possibly,” because, to say no¬ 
thing of numerous other contingencies, we have no security 
that the old system may not again prevail, and the poor 
continue to be deprived of their just rights to an indefinite 
period. 

It is not intended by the motto affixed to this article, to 
insinuate that any of the charity property belonging to this 
town, is at present managed otherwise than it should be; but 
that this has heretofore been the case, is too palpable either 
to be concealed or denied. 


160 


One remark more is perhaps needful here. 

The statements I have made of the present value of the 
different properties, will be found in several instances to be 
much at variance with the valuations given in the Report; 1 
may claim exemption from the charge of personality, in 
having furnished more correct estimates than those previously 
given, when 1 say that I am quite ignorant from whom the 
Commissioners obtained their information. I am aware that 
the personal examinations taken before these gentlemen 
are in print, but I have not seen the publication, neither 
have 1 been informed of any one individual mentioned in it 
as having been examined touching the Barnstaple Charities. 


[a.] Litchdon Almshouse , p. 97. 

3. * This estate, as 1 am informed by one of the trustees, 
has been let for a fresh term, at a reduction of more than 
twenty-five per cent, on the former rent. The brother of 
the late lessee is the present occupier. It’s being an “undi¬ 
vided moiety ” is doubtless a great drawback on the value 
of the property, as fair competition amongst bidders for a 
lease of premises thus circumstanced, cannot be looked for. 

4. It is difficult to conceive how 30s.f an acre can 
be considered a “ good rent” for lands forming part of 
a gentleman’s “ pleasure grounds.” How are we to recon¬ 
cile this statement with the fact, that lands belonging to 
th is and other of the Barnstaple Charities, realize more 
than £7 per acre? 

5. This estate is let for a fresh term at the old rent. 

7. This house produces to Mrs. Thomas, the present 
lessee, £32 per annum, clear of all taxes. 

* The figures refer to the numbers in the rental. 

+ Quere 30s. or 15s.? See rental. 


161 




8. These fields still continue at the same rent which (hey 
produced forty-three years ago, whilst some of the estates 
have increased in value three-fold since that period. The 
rent must have been very high in 1786, or is very low now. 

[b.] Penrose s Bequest to Bridewell , /?. 101. 

Amongst the memorandums of the date 1633-4,1 find the 
followingOf the 200/.* (that left by Mr. Penrose) 
“ there is lent unto John Cole by his bond sureties gratis, 
" f° r keeping at worke the poore and to live in the house the 
“ some of 100/. 00.?. 00 d.” 

“ It appears,” say the Commissioners, ‘‘ that this Bride- 
“ well was built by the town , at an expense of £300. ” 
Query—At w hose cost, that of the Parish or of the Corpora¬ 
tion f (for the term used may imply either;) from whichever 
fund the money was supplied for building the house, the 
Corporation receives £20 per annum for the premises, which 
have been long used as the parish workhouse. 

[c.] Honvood’s Almshouse , p. 104. 

During the past and present year (1828), all the lands 
belonging to this charity have been re-let; the rental of the 
whole is now r as below:— 

£ s. d. 

). House and Garden « . 8 0 0 

Part of Orchard leased to 31 r, 

Bryant, fora term of 60 years, from 
Ladyday, 1827, to which 30 years 
are to be added, on payment of a 
fine, at the expiration of half the 
term.3 0 0 

* This sum being among those of which there remain “ no trace” (see 
page 101) it may not be amiss to bear in mind that both “ bond and sureties” 
were exacted from John Cole, as security for the portion of it lent to him ; 
it is not therefore likely to have been thus lost. 

Y 


/ 


m 



£ 

s. 

d. 

£ 

s. 

il. 

Brought forward 

11 

0 

0 




Another portion of the Orchard 







leased to Mrs. Mullins, for a like 







period. 

1 

1 

0 








12 

1 

0 

2. Field ... 

18 

0 

0 


l 


Barn ..... 

2 

2 

0 








20 

2 

0 

3. Field. 

7 

0 

0 




Ditto. 

8 

0 

0 








15 

0 

0 

4. Two Fields .... 

10 

0 

0 








10 

0 

0 

5. Stable ..... 

2 

2 

0 








2 

2 

0 


£59 5 0 


A substantial dwelling bas been built by Mr. Bryaijt, 
on the ground of which he has taken a lease. The plot occu¬ 
pied by Mrs. Mullins, now forms a part of a walled garden. 

[d.] Paige's Almshouse , p . 109. 


The piece of ground (Congerham’s) given by Alderman 
Appley, is now held bj' Mr. William Thorne, who took a 
lease of it in 1825, for sixty years, at £20 per annum; 
a much higher rent than could have been obtained for the 
property, for any other purpose than that to which it has 
been applied, besides the substantial improvements which 
have been made on it. The premises no longer consist of a 
field and a ruinous mud-wall cottage, but exhibit six small 
respectable dwelling houses, and twenty-eight neat stone- 
built cottages, all with garden ground. These several 
buildings produce a rental of about £220 per annum. 










163 


[E-3 Fish Dinners , />. 110. 


It was stated in page 16 of this work, that the corporation 
had compounded with the late Sir John Chichester, for these 
dinners. Having since discovered that this statement, 
which was made on the authority of that furnished by the 
Commissioners, confirmed, as it seemed to be, by the cer¬ 
tain fact, that the dinners had long ceased to be g'iven, was 
incorrect; it is necessary for truth’s sake, although other¬ 
wise but of little importance, to set the matter right. The 
following appears to have been the agreement entered into. 

“ Whereas the corporation of the borough and parish of 
44 Barnstaple, have given unto Sir John Chichester, of 
44 Youlstone, Baronet, and his ancestors, annually, two 
44 certain dinners, called Fish Dinners, within the borough 
44 and parish aforesaid. And whereas it is mutually agreed 
44 between the said corporation and Sir John Chichester, that 
44 for the future, there shall be but one such dinner given to 
44 the said Sir John Chichester annually, and that the sum of 
44 40$. being the stipend usually allowed by the corporation 
44 for the expenses attending the other of such dinners, shall 
44 be applied and disposed in such manner and form, and 
44 to such purposes as hereinafter mentioned. And whereas 
44 also several of the said fish dinners have not been given ; 

and for settling and adjusting the same, it is ordered and 
‘ 4 agreed between the corporation and Sir John Chichester, 
44 that the sum of £6, being an equivalent for such dinners, 
44 shall b6 paid by the said corporation, and distributed in 
44 manner hereinafter mentioned, and that the said fish 
<4 dinner so to be given in future as aforesaid, shall be given 
44 on the third Saturday in October, in every year, and that 
44 the said sum of 40$. allowed as aforesaid for the other of 
44 such dinners, shall be disposed of on the 1st day of 



** January in every year, in the following manner, i. e, one 
“ moiety thereof to be paid to the trustees for tiie time being 
“ for the charily school, within, and for I he borough and 
** parish of Barnstaple aforesaid, as a further support of the 
u said school; and'the other moiety thereof to the use of 
“ such other charily as the said Sir John Chichester shall on 
“ the said 1st of January yearly direct and appoint the same; 
“ and for want of such direction and appointment, to such 
“ other charity as the said corporation shall think fit. And 
“ it is also ordered and agreed that the said sum of £6 so to 
“ be paid in lieu of such dinners as aforesaid, shall be paid 
“ by the said corporation on the 1st of January next, and be 
** applied and disposed of s to the use of such charity within 
“ the borough and parish, as the said Sir John Chichester 
“ shall direct and apply ihe same. And lastly, it is agreed 
“ that either party may vacate this order and agreement, on 

giving six months’ notice in writing to the other of them of 
“ such their intention, and that in such case, this order shall 
“ cease and determine accordingly.’* 

This relic of feudal customs has now grown wholly into 
disuse, no such dinner, (as far as l have been enabled to 
discover) having been given since October, 1/90, when the 
cost of a “fish dinner” was £2 13s. 4c/; — a moderate 
sum, certainly, for the entertainment of a baronet, by a 
town corporation ! 

[f.] Beaple’s Gift , p . 111. 

On reading this statement of land tax deducted out of a 
rent-charge, we naturally look for some explanation or 
remark by the commissioners! On making enquiry if 
any reason could be assigned, why so extraordinary a claim 
was made and allowed, I was informed, that the trustees have 
latterly received the full amount of the bequest. Query— 


165 


If an error has been committed, why not receive back the 
arrears due on account of such error? 


[G.] Motile* given to be lent , p. 121. 


Those several sums make a total of 561 15 8 
besides which the Commissioners notice the 
following bequests, of which they find no 
“trace:”— 


Richard Harris, (see page 

94) 

. 50 

0 

0 

John Penrose, ( ,, „ 

100) 

200 

0 

0 

Roger Jeffrey, ( „ „ 

116) 

25 

0 

0 

Laurence Gibbons, ( „ „ 

122) 

20 

0 

0 

Richard Castleman, ( „ „ 

122) 

50 

0 

0 

James Walsh, ( „ „ 

122) 

20 

0 

0 



£926 

16 

8 


“ In 1634,*” say the Commissioners, “ The Mayor, AI- 
“ dermen, and Common Council of this town, observing 
“ that the poorer sort were not able to find security for 
" loans out of the monies given to be lent to poor trades- 
“ men, especially poor weavers and tuckers, but by leaving 
“ the money in the hands of their sureties, whereby little 
“ or no profit grew to the said poor; and being desirous 
“ that the poor should have some benefit of the said money, 
“ thought fit to lend part of the said money to some of the 
“ townsmen, such as by their trading helped and relieved 
“ the poorer sort, at six per cent., which profit at the end of 
“ the year, should be distributed to such poor weavers and 
“ tuckers as could not find security, nor employ the money 
“ to their profit.” (See page 121.) 

* I find (hat in 1633 the Corporation passed a resolution, that “Artificer’s 
Loan Money be lent at six per cent, per annum.” 




166 


it is worthy of notice that especial care had been taken to 
guard against all risk in lending “ the poor’s stock” to the 
poor, nor is it alleged that any loss was thereby sustained ; 
yet we find that in less than forty years from the above-men¬ 
tioned date, it had all disappeared. “ It appears that as late 
“ as 1671, interest,” we are not informed how much, “was 
“ received for monies lent, called the poor’s stock, by the 
" mayor for the time being, and distributed to the poor ; 
“ subsequently to which we have not been able to find any 
“ trace of these monies.” (Seepage 122.) 

Here then the Commissioners leave us in the dark. They 
doubtless never suspected, that the “ Townsmen” might 
have been the Common Councilmen themselves! but what if 
this should turn out to be the case? 

In April 1C65, only six years previous to all trace of the 
money being lost, their Worships “thought Jit' 9 to pass the 
following resolution, “ that the monies belonging to the 
“ poor be not lent to Common Councilmen , but on good 
« security, but—that common councilmen be prefer- 
“ red!!!” It is but reasonable to conclude from the 
tenure of this resolution, that these “ monies’’ had been 
previously “ lent to Common Councilmen” either on bad 
«* security” or on no “ security” at all, and thus lost, or in 
danger of being so ; or why make such a provision? Surely 
had not past experience rendered it necessary, a vote so 
derogatory to the dignity of a corporate body would never 
have been passed.—Query—How did the “ deficiencies” arise 
in these monies “ which the Corporation made good in 
1633?” (See page 121.) 

We may fairly conclude from the last or saving clause of 
this resolution, that there was some advantage to be gained 
by retaining the money in their own hands. Was it nothing 
beyond the simple benefit which might accrue to the bor¬ 
rower of a sum of money after he had paid the interest, that 
they looked to ? if so, and poor tradesmen could not, as 


167 


was alleged, borrow the money so as to derive profit from if, 
we may perhaps say, that the corporation of 1665 were 
honourable men ! but how shall we reconcile such a pre¬ 
sumption with the fact, that within seven years from the 
passing’ of this notable decree of the corporation of Barn¬ 
staple, in common council assembled, the six per cent per 
annum had ceased to Jbe paid, and no “ subsequent trace ’ 
either of principal or interest can be found ? 

Those who could so degrade themselves, as to enter intp 
such a compact, were not likely to be slow in acting upon it; 
they could not however have done either, but with a full 
knowledge that they were acting in direct opposition to the 
specific directions of the u various donors,” with the excep¬ 
tion of one or two. Whilst they assumed the power of 
distributing these trust monies amongst the needy, they 
were conscious of possessing no right to lend them to any 
but the poor . 

It singularly happens, that, even at this distant period, 
some “ trace” is left of one of t hese sums “ called the poor’s 
stock.” In 165*2, the corporation of Barnstaple, out of (as 
we are bound to believe) a becoming and praiseworthy 
regard to their own dignity, not unmixed, perhaps, with a 
desire to shine on feast days and high holidays, determined 
on having their maces re-modelled and beautified, which was 
done, and for “ new making: the maces and new cases to the 
same,” an expense of £22 was incurred. A year had now 
elapsed, the vanity of these venerable worthies had been 
fed by the exhibition of the gaudy insignia ; some of their 
townsmen admired their taste, others extolled their liber- 
ality, whilst the “ poor weavers and tuckers,” unconscious 
that they were to be contributors towards it, gazed on the 
daw-like display, with wonder and delight. 

But the “ maces” were not yet paid for. Let us go back 
in imagination, to a “ private hall” in 1653; the corporation 
with the worshipful Thomas Matthews, mayor, at their head, 


168 


are assembled ; among other important matters for discus¬ 
sion, the silversmith’s account is produced ; he has given 
twelve months’ credit, and wants his money : for the credit 
of the body it must be discharged, and payment is ordered; 
the treasury is opened, but it is empty; what shall be done ? 
One individual makes an appeal to the pockets of his bre¬ 
thren, and seconds it by opening bis own ; but “ the noes 
have it,” and be is left alone in the minority. But to quit 
the regions of fancy, and come to plain matters of fact, 
such a meeting teas held, in the year mentioned, and the 
result was, that the corporation passed a resolution, to “bor¬ 
row tw enty pounds, left to the poor by James Walsh, towards 
new making the Maces.”* 

It does not appear that any interest was ever paid on this 
sum, none certainly, taking the report of the Commissioners 
as a guide, subsequent to 1671. Had this comparatively 
trifling amount been (i put out, and employed for the benefit 

♦ It is possible fbat with reference to the above, as well as to other anec¬ 
dotes mentioned in this work, two questions may be asked ;—Where did the 
writer obtain Misinformation? and—how do we know that what lie tells us is 
true ? Anticipating such enquiries, 1 reply—onre for all;— 

First, that I have received from different hands a great variety of infor¬ 
mation, and that in a variety of ways. 1 have gleaned much in the town, and 
very much at a considerable distance from if. Verbal communications, 
letters, original documents, and choice scraps, have been liberally supplied ; 
some have been obtained by solicitation, but the greater part has corneas 
voluntary offerings, in aid of a work, for the successful completion of which 
considerable interest has been felt. It will not be thought surprising, that 
amongst a numerous list of contributors, there should be some desirous of 
being kept in the back ground ; and such being their wish, I must, “ as in 
duty bound” strictly comply with it. Since then “I am forbid to tell the 
secrets of my writing desk be it known to all who may hereafter be 
tempted to seek an acquaintance with its mysteries, that all and every per- 
sou, of whatsoever rank, degree, or calling, who shall make enquiry relative 
to any matter or thing contained or recorded in memorials of Barnstaple, 
be, with all due respect, referred back ( Abernelhey to wit!) to “ my book,* 
page 108. 


169 


of the poor” from the time it wa s “ borrowed,” it would 
have produced, at simple interest, £187, which, looked at 
as it ought to be, whh reference to what * poor man might 
have purchased with a shilling at the beginning 01 the reign 
of Charles If. and at subsequent periods, compared with the 
present, cannot be set down at less than £500. 


£h.] Applets Gift , p. 124. 

The first house mentioned under this gift was re-built, as 
stated in the Report, (in 1817,) and now produces, with a 
garden not belonging to the property, for which a deduction 
of £2 10$. should be made, £25 per annum, clear rent. A 
malt house and corn lofts, at the back of the premises, 
may be fairly estimated at £15 a year, making, with the 
rent of the dwelling house, £37 10$. instead of £14 as stated 
in the Report. 

For most of the following particulars relating to the other 
of these houses, l am indebted to a respectable individual, 
who, about forty years ago, was in possession of the 
property. The premises were leased in 1770, to Jacob 
Penbetty, wbo re-built the house, which about fifty years 

Secondly, —A better method could not perhaps be devised for impeaching 
the veracity of a work of this nature, than for the author to vouch for the 
authenticity of all it contains ; could I, however, be assured, that by 
hazarding such an assertion, a contrary effect would be produced, a regard 
for consistency would prevent my resorting to such a fallacious expedient; 
No man can safely assert that occurrences recorded to have transpired from 
one to five centuries ago, really happened in the precise manner and time 
stated ! But whilst I dare not say that every thing contained in this hook is 
true, I can say that I have inserted DOthing relating either to ancieut or 
modern times, which I do not know, or with good keason believe, to 
be true. Many persons into whose hands the work will fall, can bear 
testimony to my anxious and persevering endeavours in seeking to elucidate 
matters ambiguous in their nature, or doubtful as to their authority. 

Z 


170 


ago let for £8 a year. My informant applied in 1789 or 
1790 for a renewal of his term, and would have readily 
given £10 per annum, from the expiration of the existing 
lease;he was,however,after repeated applications, informed, 
that 44 a new lease could not be granted until the old one 
had expired” Me subsequently sold his interest in the 
property for one hundred guineas, to William Thomas, and 
he for a similar sum to a Capt. Boucher; both these persons 
endeavoured to get an extension of the lease, but failed ; 
when the latter disposed of it to Mr. Bremridge, who, as the 
'Report states, for the trifling sacrifice of 10s. per annum, for 
twenty-four years, succeeded in procuring an addition of 
thirty-six years to his lease, at £2 10s. a year, or one fourth 
of what another individual would have given for it . (Mr. 
Bremridge had at this time a son in the Corporation.) 

A gentleman named Russell took the house in 181J, for a 
term of twenty-one years, at £21 per annum, and made some 
internal improvements in it, in addition to a trifling alteration 
previously made by Mr. Bremridge. Mr. Russell, on quitting 
the town some years since, re-let the house, for which the 
present occupier pays twenty-six guineas per annum, besides 
a portion of the taxes; but this rent, it must be acknow¬ 
ledged, is high, when compared with that of the generality 
of similar property in Barnstaple. 

It is quite clear, that had the same extension of 
term which Mr. Bremridge obtained in this property, been 
granted to the first-mentioned applicant at the price he was 
willing to pay, £10 a year, the charity would, at the 
close of the present term, have received as below:— 

£ s . d. £ s. ch 

Rent from 1830, when the first Lease 
would have expired, to 1866, when 
the present Term will cease, at £10 
per annum 


360 0 0 


17 i 


£ r. d. £ s. d. 
Brought forward . „ . 360 0 0 

Deduct 36 years* rental, to be received 

under the existing Lease, at £l 10*. 90 0 0 

10*, per annum additional rent, for 24 

years of the former term . .12 0 0 

- 102 0 0 

* ________ 

Making a difference to the charity of £258 0 0 

But supposing the Corporation to have acted up to the 
declaration they made of letting the old lease run out, as 
unquestionably it would have been most consistent with their 
obligations as trustees to have done, they would then have 
possession of the premises in two years from this time, 1828. 

Let us imagine this to be the case, and the house let, say 
at £18 per annum, (about two-thirds- of the present 
rental,) and we shall have to add to the sum above stated, 
£288, making in all £546 absolutely lost, out of a moiety of 
one charity, by improper management. 

It is but justice to say, that several members of the body 
corporate have openly expressed their dissatisfaction at the 
terms on which the lease was granted. 

It is worthy of remark, that Mr. Appley left these two 
houses chargeable with a life annuity of £4 5s. 2d. from 
which we may presume that the property was worth this 
sum at least , annually; but there is no lack of evidence to 
shew that its yearly value was beyond this amount. The 
sum of £100 appears to have been raised out of the rents of 
these premises in 1663, (see page 124.) Mrs. Appley, as 
shewn by the parish register, died in 1612, so that in 
twenty-one years (if not in a less period,) the £100 was 
made up. Jt is therefore clear that the annual produce of 
this property was less in 1800 than in 1600, whilst its value 
was many times greater ; and that even now, under leases 
newly granted, when the difference in value, as compared 




172 


with two hundred years ago, may (without taking into the 
account by Mr. Fisher’s house having been re-built,) be 
stated as upwards of eight to one, the income is not 
doubled, and must remain at its present rate for more than 
thirty years to come. 


[i.] Lugg’s Gift , /?. 127. 

The lands belonging to this charity have remained at the 
rent mentioned >n ;h< report up to this time ; but are now 
partly in hand, and about to be re-let. 

[J.] Sir J, Aclcind’s Gift , p. 129. 

The following particulars of this bequest are taken from 

the Commissioner’s Report of the Exeter Charities:— 

The donor directed that the sum of £75 8*. should be 
distributed yearly among twenty-seven parishes named, to 
be applied in ‘‘ the buying and providing weekly for ever, 
“ penny loaves of bread of a middle sort, commonly called 
“ cheate bread,to be bestowed and distributed every Sunday’, 
“ immediately after morning prayer, unto such of the 
“ poorest sort of people,” as those to whose management the 
different bequests were intrusted, “ should nominate and 
“ appoint to receive the same.” 

That to the poor of Barnstaple is as follows:—* And to 
“ tlle mayor of Barnstaple, for providing thirteen such 
“ loaves weekly, to be distributed as aforesaid, to thirteen 
“ such people of the said borough as the mayor and four 
“ of the most ancient masters of the said borough shall 
“ appoint, £2 12 , 9 .” 

In the event that any of the several trustees “ should be 
“ negligent, or refuse, or omit the performance of any of 
the trusts, and should not, yearly, within twelve days next 


173 


“ after the feast of Easter, deliver to the mayor and recorder 
“ of Exeter, a true account in writing*, how they had 
“ disbursed the said sums for bread, &c., some other parish 
“ near adjoining* to the borough or parish so making 
“ default,’’ was to have the benefit of the gift “ for one 
“ whole year next after such default.” n 

The property left in trust by Sir J. Acland, is, besides the 
amount already mentioned, charged with the payment of 
other sums, making altogether £97 2$. 

The produce of the estate is stated to have been in 1821, 
upwards of £320 per annum, besides a balance in hand of 
about £1300. The Commissioners say, “ A question has arisen 
“ whether any portion of the considerable balance now in 
“ the hands of the trustees, can be applied in augmentation' 
“ of the annual stipend directed to be paid to the exhibition- 
“ ers ;* but we apprehend that the trustees have no authority 
“ thus to increase them, and that the other objects of Sir 
“ John Acland’s charity have no claim beyond the sums 
“ specified in his deeds.” 


oo Westlake’s Gift , p . 132. 

The Commission here alluded to was a special one,“ under 
“ the great seale of England, bearing date three and twen- 
“ tieth day of March, in the nineteenth yeare of the raigne of 
“ our Lord the Kinge, and directed to y e Reverend Richard 
“ Merwin, Doctor in Divinity, Philip Naylor, Rector, 
“ Nicholas Dennis, Balshazar Beare, Esq. and Arthur 
“ Actlaud, Marchant; and to divers other P’sons dwelling 

* Or in other words—in increasing the patronage of the Chamber of 
Exeter. (Two “ exhibitioners ” to be chosen from Exeter Free School were 
to receive £8 per annum each.) Why not have proposed an augmentation of 
the sums expended for the benefit of the poor? this would have been 
laudable, and could not have been met by any reasonable objection. 


174 


44 and inhabiting in the said county, [Devon,] who were to 
44 enquire into abuses, breaches of trust, negligences, mis- 
44 employing, misgoverning, and misapplying,” &c. See. the 
44 funds of this charity.” 

The following additional particulars of the decree are 
extracted from a copy of that instrument, preserved along 
with the accounts of the charity, now in the possession of 
John May, Esq.— 44 Found by the oaths of Paul Trix, John 
“ Stone, Richard Tamblyn, Thomas Snow, Robert Combe, 
44 John Brayley, John Loveringe, John Actland, George 
44 Langdon, John Pope, John Ley, and John Langdon; 
44 that [here the bequest is recited, as in page 131] John 
44 Greade and John Cooke, duller, two of the last associates, 
“ and now the survivors, that from the last association 
44 which was in October last, fourteen years, the said poor 
44 have not received the yearly p’fit according to the said 
44 will, which p’fit according to calculation, for fifteen years, 
44 amounts unto £350; and that of this the poor have had 
44 butt two hundred twenty and ffour pounds, and that there 
44 is due unto the poor of the p’fitts of the said estate, one 
44 hundred thirty flive pounds, ffourteen shillings, which is 
44 detained by them, parte by the surviving associates, and 
44 the residue by their neglect ; and that the said one 
44 hundred thirty flive pounds, and ffourteen shillings, 
“ profitts of the said ffour huudred pounds, are by their 
“ neglect in not perfforming their trust, in danger of loose- 
44 ing, if not timely prevented, by the inquisition hereunto 
44 annexed. 

44 Now the said Commissioners having called before them 
“ tlie said John Greade and John Cooke, upon full hearing 
44 and debating what was said and alledged on their behalf 
* 4 in the p’misses, 

44 Ffor reformation of the said abuse and breach of trust, 
44 do hereby order, adjudge, and decree, in manuer and 
4< florm ffbllowing ; (viz.)— 


175 


“ That the said John Greade and John Cooke be no 
“ longer associates and trustees in the said trust, but are 
“ hereby displaced and discharged from the same, and that 
“ they doe before the fHveand twentieth day of March next 
u comeing, transfer, yield upp, and pay over vnto Gilbert 
tl Paige, Marchant, Lewis Rosier, gent. Thomas Harris, 
“ Henry Drake, and Richard Parminter, whom the said 
“ Com 13 do hereby appoint, ordain, decree, and establish 
" to be ffroni henceforward trustees ffor the managem 1 of 
44 the said fFour hundred pounds, given by the said Kathe- 
44 rine, vvth the profitts thereof, accordinge to the said will, 
“ All the bonds, bills, papers, specialtys, chest, money, and 
44 other things whatsoever, w ch are in their or either of their 
44 hands or custody ; And that they doe noe ffurther inter- 
44 meddle or act in the said trust. Lastly, ffor as much as it 
44 appearelh to the said Com vs That the said John Gread and 
44 John Cooke are guilty of y e breach and ill-management of 
“ the same, w ch hath caused the sueing out the commission, 
44 they order and adjudge that the said John Gread and John 
44 Cooke shall pay unto the said Gilbert Paige, Lewis 
44 Rosier, Thomas Harris, Henry Drake, and Richard 
44 Parminter^ the sume of eight pounds towards the charges 
44 and expenses in sueing out the commission, and in the 
44 prosecution of the said inquisition and this decree. In 
“ Wittness whereof the Com rs aforesaid have hereunto sett 
44 their hands and seales, even the day and yeare ffirst aboue 
44 written, Anno Dorn. 1667.” 

This, certainly, very equitable decree was not very 
promptly obeyed. Messrs. Gread and Cooke refused to 
surrender their trust, 44 upon reffusall whereof the said 
44 trustees sued out a writt of execution of the said decree 
“ from the said high Co^ of Chancery,” which induced the 
ex-trustees to submit; the money, however, was not forth¬ 
coming, and this trust debt could only be discharged in the 
manner explained in the following curious receipt: — 


C£ Received, by order of a decree of Chancery, of Mr. 
££ John Greade and Mr. John Cooke, one bond of two 
“ hundred pounds, ffor pay* of one hundred and seven 
u pounds, by Mr. William Palmer, Mr. \nthony Palmer, 
“ and Mr. John Palmer; and one bond of two hundred 
“ pounds, ffor payt of one hundred and seven pounds, by 
t£ Mr. John Downe and Mr. Richard Harris; and one bond 
££ of one hundred pounds, ffor payt of one and ffifty pounds 
<£ and ten shillings, by the said Mr. John Cooke, Mr. Nicholas 
“ Cooke, and Mr. Barfholemew Bisse ; and one bond of one 
6i hundred pounds, ffor pavt of one and ffiftv pounds and 
" ffifteen shillings, by the said Mr. Bartholemew Bisse, Mr. 
££ John Cook, and Humphry Bisse ; and one bond of one 
££ hundred pounds, ffor payt of three and ffifty pounds, by 
££ Henry Smale, Humfry Collender, and Daniel Gagg, [or 
“ Gayy] ; more, one bond of sixty pounds, ffor pay* of 
££ thirty pounds and eighteen shillings, by Peter Rowe, Mr. 
££ Thomas Matthews, and Nicholas Sweet; and one bond of 
££ fforty pounds ffor payt of one and twenty pounds and 
££ ffower shillings, by Elizabeth Orchard, and Ffrancis 
££ Punchard, which said bonds make vppe the suine of ffower 
££ hundred pounds,* being that legacy left, &c. Witness 
££ our hands, this seventeenth day of October, in the twen- 
££ tieth yeare of the raigne of our Soverigne Lord Kinge 
££ Charles the second, over England, Anno l)no. 166^.’’ 

It happened, rather untowardly, that at the very time 
when Mr. Greade was ousted from his trusteeship, he held 
the office of chief magistrate for the borough ; (see List of 
Mayors ;f) he had previously filled that of mace-bearer. 

* The sums enumerated make £421 7s. perhaps including interest from 
the time of making the decree. The “ profits ” in arrear would appear to 
have been previously paid up. 

+ His name appears for 1666. The dates mentioned refer to the time when 
a mayor enters on his office, in which h« continues until the month of 
October in the ensuing year. 


177 


[l.] Drakes Gift , p. 139. 

The house mentioned as having been bequeathed by Mrs. 
Drake, (who by the way adopted a novel expedient to 
prevent her remains from being- disturbed,*) is that now 
known as the “ White Hart ” public-house, and produces a 
rent of £25 a year, which is lost to the poor of this town and 
Pilton, in consequence of the donor’s ig-noranee of the law 
relative to such bequests.f It must be acknowledged that 
this charitable dame would have better fulfilled the law of 

* The Sexton still receives his fee of half-a-crown annually. 

+ It must doubtless have been often thought strange by those unacquainted 
with the origin of this law, (as may be the case with some of my readers,) 
that enactments should be made for the express purpose of preventing 
benevolently disposed individuals from disposing of their property to such 
charitable uses as they might desire ; the best things are, however, liable 
to be abused, and long experience has shewn such restrictions to be needful. 

At a period even anterior to the Norman Conquest, it was found necessary 
to curb the inordinate appetite of spiritual fraternities for temporal 
possessions,which was partially effected by prohibiting religious houses from 
purchasing lands without the sanction of the King, by what was termed a 
license of mortmain, (such a state of possession as makes it unalienable ; 
** whence it is said to be in a dead hand , a hand that cannot shift away the 
property,” as is the case in an alienation of lands or tenements to any 
corporation ecclesiastical or temporal.”) But so “ difficult was it to set 
bounds to ecclesiastical ingenuity,” that statute after statute was framed, 
“ in deducing the history of which statutes, it is curious to observe the great 
“ address and subtle contrivance of the ecclesiastics, in eluding from time 
“ to time the laws in being, and the zeal with which successive parliaments 
“ have pursued them through all their finesses ; how new remedies were stiJI 
“ the parents of new evasions; until at last the legislature, though with 
“ difficulty, obtained a decisive victory.” Amongst other inventions of 
the Monks, in order to evade the forfeiture of their lands, was that of 
«* taking long leases for years, which first introduced those extensive terms 
“ for a thousand or more years, now so frequent in conveyances, and it is 
<( to these inventions also that our practises are indebted for the introduction 

of use* and trust6> the foundation of modern conveyancing.’’ 

2 A 


178 


charity by leaving her property amongst the “ poor persons 
related to her,” than by disposing of it for the benefit of 
strangers. 

By the returns made to Parliament in 1786, it appears 
that the poor of Barnstaple then received £3 per annum 
from this property, which is described as being vested in 
James Hiern. It is probable that a similar sum was distri¬ 
buted in Pilton ; £6 might have been then nearly the pro¬ 
duce of (fee premises. 


[m.] Cordivainer’s Lands , p . 145. 

The following description of the property belonging to 
this charity,gives us a more particular account of its situation 
and extent, than the statement furnished by the Commis¬ 
sioners, and also shews the present rental, or estimated 
value per annum of the different premises. 


£ s. d. 

1.— Two Brick Dwellings, nearly adjoining the back 
way to the King’s Arms, in Anchor Lane, 

now let for £26.210 0 

[Between these hofiscs, there is a passage 
or gateway, forming a back entrance to the 

Previous to the passing of the last statute of Mortmain, 9 Geo. II. cap. 3G, 
it was ** held that former enactments did not extend to any thing but 
“ superstitious uses, and that therefore a man may give lands for the main- 
“ tenacce of a school, or hospital, or any other charitable use. But as it was 
“ apprehended from recent experience, that persons on their death-beds 
“ might make large and improvident dispositions ; it is therefore enacted) 
“ (by the above-named statute,) That no lands or Tenements, or money to 
“ be laid out thereon, shall be given for, or charged with, any charitable uses 
“ whatsoever, unless by deed indented, executed in the presence of two 
“ witnesses, twelve calendar months before the death of the donor, and 
“ enrolled in the Court of Chancery within six months after its execution ; 
“ and unless such gift be made to take effect immediately, and without 
“ power of revocation.”— See Blackstonc and others. 


179 


£ s. d. 

Brought up . . . . . 21 0 0 

dwelling house of the lessee, and the two 
.houses next to it on the north side. Only the 
centre house of the three had such a commu¬ 
nication until very lately, the other two having 
been made by Mr. Harris.] 

A Stable, let with the “ Wellington Arms ” 

public-house ; estimated value . . .GOO 

A Kitchen, with Laundry over, built by the 
lessee, and attached to his residence ;—-value 
calculated as if the ground-had not been built 
on, but had remained as before, for purposes 
of trade.GOO 

£33 0 0 

2. ~A property designated in the trust deed as 

“ a messuage or dwelling bouse,” (see page 
143,) and in the rental,“part of a shop,” &c- 
but understood to comprise the front part of a . 
bouse, late the “Wellington Arms namely, 
a shop, small sitting room behind the same, 
with a way through it to a staircase, and two 
or three rooms above ; now vacant, but let 
for many years at £26 . . . .2100 

[The rent now expected is believed to be 
more than it lately produced; but bow much 
cannot be ascertained.] _ 

3. —A dwelling house, nearly opposite No.2, all but 

a small parlour, lately converted into a shop, 
and a room over.The premises are now occu¬ 
pied by Miss Griffiths, as under-tenant to Mr. 

Jas. Trix, who holds them of Mr. Hiern, for 
the remainder of his term. The yearly value 
of this property will not, when I state that it 
now brings in a clear rent of forty-five guineas, 







180 




£ s. d. 

not including the shop mentioned above, be 
thought over-rated at . . . s 33 0 0 

Two small Dwellings in Paige’s Lane, and 
lying behind the last-mentioned premises, let 

for £15.12 0 0 

A Garden in Castle Lane, on part of which 
the lessee has built a Stable, lately let 
together for £5 5s .4 4 0 

£49 4 0 

The Commissioners notice a trust deed of the date of 
1663, but furnish no particulars respecting the management 
of the property earlier than 1731; the data supplied from 
this period gives the following result:— 

£ s . d. 

1. —Received by Fines, in 1731, 1761, and 1794 95 16 0 

Rent received and to be received, from 1731 

to 1854, 123 years, at four shillings per ann. 24 12 0 

£120 8 0 

Or less than 19s. 7d. a year. 

2. —Fines in 1758 and 1798 . . . . 23 3 0 

Rent from 1758 to 1858, 100 years, at eight 

shillings per annum. 40 0 0 

£63 3 0 

Being under 12s. 8 d. per annum. 

3. —Fines in 1744* and 1787 . . . . 32 0 0 

Rent from 1744 to 1847, 103 years, at twenty 

shillings per annum . . . 103 0 0 

£ 13 5 0 0 

Not quite £1 6s. 3 d. per year. 


* No mention is made of any fine in 1774, but I have given the management 
the benefit of any doubt that may arise as to one having been paid, by 
estimating it of an equal amount with the sum stated in 1787. 














181 


It is, then, from the foregoing calculations, indisputably 
clear, that the u Cordwainer’s Lands” will, when the existing 
leases shall have expired, have produced to the charily for 
upwards of one hundred years, an annua! average income, 
including both fines and rent , of but two pounds , eighteen 
shillings , and six pence , although now worth full one 
hundred pounds per annum , clear of rates , taxes , and 
repairs . It may, perhaps, be urged, that the property is 
much increased in value ; granted ; but the increase has 
been both visible in its effects, and progressive in its opera¬ 
tion, and cannot therefore be pleaded in extenuation of such 
management as the estate has been subjected to. No one 
will venture to assert that the consideration given has not 
been always vastly disproportionate to the current value of 
the properly obtained. 

Again, it may be said, that the different premises have 
been improved. Mr. Trix was at considerable expense 
(about £200*) in 1821, in re-modelling the lower part of the 
front of the house mentioned as being rented by him ; and 
Mr. Harris has, as already stated, built a kitchen on the 
premises held by him ; besides which, I am not aware of any 
improvement worth naming having been made; and these, 
be it remembered, have not been taken into account, in 
the present valuation of the lands. 

From the following statement, the poor cordw 7 ainers may 
see the actual loss their property has suffered from having 
been thus “ dealt with.” 

I have said that these premises have risen, and it may be 
fairly expected that, situate as they are, in the best quarter 
of the town for trade, they will continue to rise , in value. 
Not, however, to bear too hard upon the management, let 
us consider the average annual value of the property as only 

* As this alteration extended to the whole front, not more than two- 
thirds of this sum can be said to have been expended on the charity 
property. 


182 


one iliird the amount I have estimated it at, (which, it 
should be borne in mind, is far below what it is now paying,) 
and the account will stand as below :— 


£ s. d. 

1. —Produce to the respective lessees, for 123 

years, at £ll per annum . . . 1353 0 0 

2. —Produce to the respective lessees, for 100 

years, at £7 per annum . . . 700 0 0 

3. —Produce to the respective lessees, for 103 

years, at £16 8s. per annum . . 1689 0 0 

£3742 4 0 

Deduct amount of fines and rents (see p. 180):— 

£ s. d. 

1 ,— . . . . 120 8 0 

2. — . . . 63 3 0 

3. — * . . . 135 0 0 


318 11 0 

Loss to the charity , £3423 13 0 


Enormous as is the difference between the two amounts 
here shewn, the statement will not appear to be in the 
least overcharged, when we consider that if the property had 
produced nothing for the first seventy-two years, being 
about tw'o-thiuds of the average duration of the different 
terms above stated, the present rental, after deducting 
twenty per cent, for casualties , would realize in the remain¬ 
ing period of about thirty-eight years, more than my 
calculation amounts to for the whole time. 

Well then might the poor cordwainers, (who, it would 
seem, have never been fully aware of the extent of their 
wrongs,) complain to the Commissioners, “ that they had 
“ some property in Barnstaple, which did not yield them as 
“ much as they conceived they had a right to expect from 








183 

“ it; and request that some enquiry might be made on their 
“ behalf concerning: it/* * 


£ n .] Charity School. 

The following is a list of the different donations and 
bequests, (not including the rent charges, which have been 
already stated,) bestowed on this benevolent institution 
from its establishment in 1710 to the present time 


1712 . 

Mary Eburn 

bequest 

£ 

5 

s. 

0 

d. 

0 

1713. 

John Smith . 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1714. 

Rev. Mr. Somers 

uncertain 

5 

0 

0 

1714 . 

Renatus Greenslade 

bequest 

10 

0 

0 

1715. 

Elizabeth Ackland . 

uncertain 

50 

0 

0 

1717 . 

Isabella Charlotte Rolle 

ditto 

107 

10 

0 

1717 . 

George Larkin 

bequest 

20 

0 

0 

1719 . 

Rev. \V. Bampfield . 

ditto 

40 

0 

0 

1720 . 

Edmund Burgh 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1720 . 

John Stevens 

ditto 

40 

0 

0 

1720. 

Bartholemew Wakeman 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1720 . 

Edward Hammond . 

ditto 

10 

10 

0 

1720 . 

Phillis Barnes 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1721 . 

John Symons . 

ditto 

100 

0 

0 

1721 . 

Hugh Lord Clinton 

uncertain 

10 

10 

0 

1721 . 

John Rowley 

ditto 

20 

0 

0 

1722 . 

Sir H. Ackland, Bart.t . 

ditto 

21 

0 

0 


* Three aged shoemakers, as a deputation from their brethren, waited 
on the Commissioners, with the (to them) very natural expectation of 
deriving some benefit from their interference; but they were deceived. 
The applicants were received with courtesy, their complaint patiently 
heard, and an investigation made; the Commissioners could do no 
more. Two of the three individuals have since paid the debt of nature, and 
many more must go down to the grave, before the “ poor cordwaiuers of 
Barnstaple ” can have their rights restored to them. 

+ This gift is mentioned in the return made to Parliament in 1786, but 
does not appear on either of the tablets in the churcb. 



184 





£ 

s. 

d, 

1722 . 

Philip Ridgate, Esq. 

uncertain 

10 

10 

0 

1725 . 

Agnes Waybard 

bequest 

30 

0 

0 

1725 . 

Margaret Rollc 

ditto 

5 

0 

0 

1726 . 

Alexander Harper 

ditto 

6 

0 

0 

1726 . 

John Jenkins 

uncertain 

10 

10 

0 

1730. 

William Docton 

ditto 

50 

0 

0 

1731. 

Sir Nicholas Hooper, Knt. 

bequest 

100 

0 

0 

1731. 

Edward Fairchild 

ditto 

30 

0 

0 

1732. 

Rev. W. Burgh 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1732. 

Robert Andrews 

uncertain 

10 

0 

0 

1734. 

John Phillips 

bequest 

200 

0 

0 

1755. 

Martin Lautrow 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1759. 

Robert lncledon 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1767. 

Mary Score 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1776. 

Nicholas Shepherd . 

ditto 

20 

0 

0 

1776. 

Joan Stanbury 

ditto 

100 

0 

0 

1776. 

Barnard Whitrow 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1783. 

Daniel Marriott 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1796. 

Frances Barford 

ditto 

10 

10 

0 

1797. 

Benjamin lncledon, Esq. . 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1807- 

Nicholas Shepherd 

ditto 

10 

0 

0 

1812 

Sir Christopher Robinson, Knt, 

donation 

10 

0 

0 

1812. 

Sir Masseh M. Lopes, Bart. 

ditto 

20 

0 

0 

1815. 

James Sciance (3 per cent. Con.) bequest* 

50 

0 

0 

1816. 

Edward Paul Pilcher, Esq. 

ditto 

40 

0 

0 

1817. 

Thus. Sciance (3 per cent. Stock) bequest 

50 

0 

0 

1818. 

Francis Ommancy, Esq. M.r. 

donation 

10 

10 

0 

1824. 

Frederick Hodgson, Esq. m.p. 

ditto 

10 

10 

0 

1825. 

John May. Esq. 

bequest 

10 

0 

0 

1826 . 

Henry Alexander, Esq. m.p. 

donation 

10 

10 

0 

1826. 

William Slocombe, Esq. 

bequest 

20 

0 

0 


* Mr. Sciance gave dfflOO to be divided between this school and “ Bell's 
School 5” the whole sum in the event of the discontinuance of either, to be 
applied for the benefit of “ the surviving school for ever.” 




186 


There is a Public Clock fixed on the roof of the School 
House, the Bell of which bears the following inscription, 
“Denys Rolle, Esq. 1764” 

Dec. 10,1734, An order was made for transferring the 
Rents and Profits of Facey’s Ground, (see Skinner’s Gift, 
page 112) to this institution, “but this order was afterwards 
declared void by the Corporation, as being contrary to the 
will of the Donor, and the Deed of Feoffment, made by 
Mr. Bartholemew Wakeman for declaring' and settling 
the same.” 

The interference of the Corporation in this case was as 
commendable as their decision was just. The Body would 
have earned to themselves an unfading reputation had they 
always , as in this instance , stood forward to maintain the 
rights of the poor y by enforcing the legitimate application 
of all funds designed for their benefit. 

The annual Income available for the purposes of this 
Charity having been given in detail by the Commissioners, 
(see page 150,) more need not be stated here respecting* 
it, than that Francis and Bowden’s Estate remains in the 
hands of the same occupier, and at the same rent, as stated 
in the Report. 

The last Collection made at the Church Doors, September 
1828, amounted to £37 7s. 0 d. and that of the previous 
year to £39 9s. being the largest sums ever received after 
the annual “ Charity Sermon.’* 

The expenditure on behalf of the institution, for the year 
ending Sept. 16. 1828, was as follows:— 


Salary to Schoolmaster 
Ditto to Schoolmistress 
Woollen Cloth 
Dowlas, &c. 


Carried up 

2 B 


£. s. d. 
45 0 0 

. 5 0 0 

. 29 5 0 

. 21 4 0 

£100 9 0 



186 



£. 

S. 

d. 

Brought up 

100 

9 

0 

Worsted ...... 

. 8 

9 

8 

Shoes ...... 

. 29 

16 

0 

Thirty Bonnets .... 

. . 2 

0 

0 

Knitting Stockings .... 

. 4 

11 

6 

Making Boy’s Clothes (Tailor) . 

. 6 

5 

0 

Ditto Shirts 

. 1 

6 

6 

Ditto Girls Gowns . 

. 1 

5 

0 

Stationery and Printing . . , 

. . 5 

6 

6 

Glazier’s, Carpenter’s, Mason's and Smith’s 

Bills 1 

14 

3 

Felling Trees on Estate , 

. 0 

15 

0 

Rent Charge to Almshouse 

. 4 

0 

0 

Receipt Stamp . , 

. 0 0 6 

£165 17 11 


The conduct of the Trustees of this jSchool in publishing 
an annual statement of its accounts, cannot be too highly 
commended ; such a praiseworthy example will, it is hoped, 
be soon followed by the managers of all the other charities 
belonging to the Town. It is freely admitted that most of 
these are, and have been, well conducted, but it is, neverthe¬ 
less, notorious, that the inhabitants generally know little or 
nothing about how they are managed; many are perhaps 
even ignorant of the existence of some of the minor ones. 
It is not enough for the conductors of a charitable fund to 
know that their duties are faithfully discharged ; this know¬ 
ledge should be extended to all within the sphere of the 
influence of the institution itself. The public mind, ever 
alive to suspicion respecting the management of charitable 
institutions, is peculiarly so with regard to such funds or 
establishments, the expenditure of which is only known to 
the Trustees or Managers; nor can this feeling be in any way 
so effectually allayed, as by a periodical publication of their 
Receipts and Disbursements. 



187 


[o.] Newcommen’s Gift , p . 155. 

The following- account of the above is copied from that 
referred to by the Commissioners in the Charities of Bideford. 

“ Margaret Newcommen, by her will, bearing date 17th 
August, 1810, gave to the Rev. Samuel Rooker, of Bideford, 
the Rev. Henry William Gardiner, of Barnstaple, the Rev. 
William Rooker, of Tavistock, and the Rev. Richard Evans, 
of Appledore, dissenting ministers, 1,0001. in trust, to invest 
the same in the purchase of stock in the funds, in their names, 
and to apply the dividends and interest arising therefrom 
towards the relief of the aged and the young, namely, in 
relieving such objects of age as might appear to them truly 
deserving, whether as faithful and affectionate members of 
Christ, or otherwise those of his household, whose cases evi¬ 
dently called for assistance; and with respect to youth, in 
giving premiums or gratuities to young persons for peculiar 
good conduct, or for attainments in religious matters, or for 
extraordinary application to the study and learning by heart 
the sacred scriptures, and other good publications, and in 
paying for the schooling and religious instruction of such 
poor children, as would otherwise be destitute thereof; and 
she directed the said trustees not to touch or break in upon 
the principal sum, but from the most imperious necessity. 

“ By a codicil to her will, she gave to the said Samuel 
Rooker and William Rooker 2001. stock in the four per cents, 
the interest thereof to be laid out yearly for the schooling of 
poor children that would not be taught to read else ; three 
or four at Westdown, the same at Barnstaple and Bideford; 
and she appointed the Rev. Samuel Rooker, and the Rev. 
William Rooker, trustees for the same. 

“ Mrs. Newcommen was a protestant dissenter, residing at 
Bideford ; she died in January, 1813; all the trustees are 


188 


living ; but the managementof the trust has chiefly devolved 
upon the Rev. Samuel Rooker, who resides at Bideford, 
The legacy of 1,0001. after the deduction of the duty, appears 
to have been invested in March, 1814, in the purchase of navy 
five per cent stock, which since the reduction of the interest 
of that fund, amounts to the sum of 9601.19s. 6d. in the new* 
four per cents, standing in the names of the trustees, and 
producing a dividend of about 381. 8s. 9d. The other legacy 
of 2001. stock in the four per cents, appears also to have been 
transferred into the navy five per cents, by the trustees,with 
the view of increasing the income of the charity; and there 
is now standing in the names of the trustees, stock to the 
amount of 1761. 15s. 7d. in the new four per cents, producing 
the dividend of about 71. Is* 3|d. Mr. Samuel Rooker has 
kept one general account of the two gifts since the year 1814, 
and has paid annually to two schoolmistresses of Barnstaple 
41. each; to a schoolmistress of Bideford, including the cost 
of some books furnished, 41.; and to another of West Down 
21. He has also provided books for schools at several places 
in the north of Devon ; and has given sums of money, vary¬ 
ing from ll. to 51., to aged and necessitous females, having 
regard to such as were friends of the testatrix; he has also 
transmitted sums to the other trustees for their distribution, 
in like manner. These occasional donations havebeen chiefly 
made to dissenters ; and all the schools, except that of West 
Down, are under the management of persons of that persua¬ 
sion. Mr. Rooker makes up his account at the end of every 
year. ,, 

The Interest for life of the £1200 here bequeathed, would 
have been a valuable boon (in addition to an annuity of £5 
per annum each left them by Mrs. N.) to four relatives of 
the Donor, two of whom were at the time of her death, as at 
present, receiving parochial relief in this Town. 





> 

* 


























• - < 








- 














). 

- 












• ( 










' * 






. 




























V 






Produce to 


To what Charity 

belonging. 

Description of Propei ty. 

| 

By whom giien, 

and when. 

Prod 

17?6 

Litclidon Almshouse 

Fox’s Field—Seven Stars Inn- 
Moieties of Lands in Hartland.— 
See No. 1 to 5 in Rental. 

John Penrose 

1024 

42 2 6 

Ditto 

Darracott Estate.—(6.) 

Richard Beaple 

1641 

15 0 0 

Ditto 

House in High Street.— (7.) 

Ditto 

1641 

8 8 0 

Ditto 

Six Closes of Land.— (8.) 

William Palmer 

1657 

17 11 0 

Hoiwood’s Almshouse 

House, Orchard, Sec. Barn, and 
Field, and Two Fields in Newport- 
Two Fields at Rum sum—Stable in 
Paige’s Lane.—No.1 to & in Rental. 

Alice Horwood 

1665 

16 13 0 

Paige’sAlmshouse 

Congerham’s. 

Robert Appley 
1591 

10 0 

Toor of Barnstaple 

Facey’s Ground. 

Ephraim Skinner 

1077 

11 7 0 

Ditto 

Withy Close. 

Richard Cornish 

1709 

o 

c 

an 

Ditto 

* House in Boutport. 

Robert Appley 

1094 

•2 0 0 

Ditto 

* Ditto in Ditto. 

Ditto 

1094 

2 0 0 

Ditto 

Beaple’s Close—Lark Lees—Wil¬ 
low Plot-Marsh. 

Adam I ugg 

102-2 

7 17 6 

Poor Cordwainers of 

Barnstaple 

Two Tenements, $c, in Anchor 
Lane—Pai t of the Front of a 
House in High st.—Part of ono. 
/her House—a Stable, Garden, 
4c.—See Nos. l,2,and 3, in Rental. 

Unknown 

1 5 9} 

Charity School 

Francis and Bowden’s Estate, in 

I Ifracombe. 

Purchased from 

the Funds of the 
Charity 

1746 

75 0 0 

Girl’s Ditto 

House and Land. 

Alice Horwood 

1C$9 

10 0 0 


it-22 

159 5 0 

31 0 Cf 

R 8 0 

17 II 0 

i) 18 0 

14 0-0 

: 30 0 0 

16 0 0 

5 & 0 

i 

j 

2 10 0 

2 0 0 

1 9 Pf 

1 90 0 0 


15 10 0 


ha •it-:. 


!8->S 


59 5 0 


20 0 0 


30 0 0 


16 0 0 


6 5 0 


2 10 0 


I 9 9} 


90 0 0 


Increase 

since 

1786 


victual 
Value in 
I&-2S 


Ml 5 0 


31 0 0 


SS 2 6 


'GOO 


8 8 0 1 0 0 0 


0 0 0 


43 11 0 


141 5 0 


310 0 


32 0 0 


25 0 0 


59 5 0 


16 '0 0 ! 20 0 0 


18 13 0 


8 0 0 


3 5 0 


0 10 0 


30 0 0 


16 0 0 


37 10 0 


23 0 0 


0 4 0 ion 0 o 


Observation s. 


Judging by the rise on other lands, this most be taken as a 
moderate estimate. 


Compare the increase of income derived from this property 
to that on the two houses mentioned below.* (situate in one 
nf the principal streets of the town,) the gift of the same 
individual. 


1.5 0 0 


Oo 0 0 


In support of the opinion 1 expressed, (p. 131,) as to the 
probable future value ol these premises, take the following 
fact. A house on the same side of High Street as No. 3, and 
only six doors from it, has just sold for owe thousand eight 
hundred and fifty pounds. It was bought by auction, w itli 
a view to its being pulled down, and is now rebuilding. 
There are a couple of Tenements behind, but very inferior 
ones to those belonging to No.3. 

In the returns made to Parliament in 1786 , this property 
is mentioned as producing 561. per annum, but by a memo¬ 
randum now before me, it appears to have b. en let in Dec. 
1777, for fourteen years from the ensuing Lady-day, at the 
“ yearly rent of 75 l. free and clear of all taxes and outgoings, 
except the land tax.” A quarry has very recently been dis¬ 
cover'd on this estate, which, it is expected, will consider, 
ably enhance its va'ue. 


The Lands, &c. belonging to this Charity, and all the other 
property not designated in I talics, would appear to Irkve been 
let by Auction, and for short Terms. 


15 to o 


5 10 0 


IS 10 0 







































































189 


[p.] Stanbury’s Gift , p. 156. 

Mrs. Stanbury, it must be acknowledged, exercised a 
sound discretion in excluding such of the parishioners as 
might not be “ of the communion of the Church of England” 
from any share in the appropriation of her bequest, as the 
following characteristic anecdote, which may be implicitly 
relied on, will shew. “ Good-now, Cousin,” said the old lady 
a short time before her decease, to a respectable female 
named Reeder, “ what sort of a bible d’ye use at the Meet¬ 
ing?” For aught the venerable dame knew, the congregation 
at the Meeting, instead of using the same bible, and holding, 
essentially, the same doctrines, as that with which she 
assembled in the church, might have been readers of the 
Alcoran, or spiritual subjects of his Holiness the Pope ! 

Annexed is a Tabular View of all the Lands described in 
the Commissioners’ Report as appertaining to the several 
charities existing in this town ; shewing the Donor’s name, 
date of bequests, produce of the estates at different 
periods, &c. 

No one, it is presumed, after perusing the foregoing 
account of the state, management, and produce, of the differ¬ 
ent eleemosynary institutions existing in the Town of 
Barnstaple, will be at a loss for a reason, why,when so many 
of the Charities have flourished, and proved increasingly 
productive, others have withered under the hands that 
should have fostered and protected them, and thus proved 
altogether unfruitful.* The cause is obvious enough. The 

* It is not of course intended to say that these estates have really yielded 
no profit, the preceding pages bear ample proof to the contrary ; they too 
“ have proved increasingly productive " but not to the Charities to which 
they belong . I am here reminded of an anecdote of our late beloved Monarch 
George the Third. His Majesty observing that an immense sum was annnally 


190 


business of letting’ the estates of these “misgoverned’ 1 
charities, has been transacted with “closed doors,” or in 
plainer terms, without such publicity being’ given to the 
proceedings, as would have produced a fair and honourable 
competition for leases of the different lands, and, as a certain 
consequence of such rivalry, an equitable rent . 

I have already said that the greater part of the Barnstaple 
Charities have been well conducted, but, had the custom 
prevailed of publishing annually, as in the case of the Blue 
School, or even septennially, statements of the affairs of all, 
would not the gross mismanagement which has prevailed in 
some, have been prevented ? Unquestionably ! Those twin- 
destroyers of charity property —secret lettings , and long 
leases , would have been unknown amongst us, and the poor 
Cordwainers might now be in receipt of about One Hundred 
Pounds per annum, instead of Thirty-two Shillings; nay, 
more ! they might have been in possession of Lands in four 
other Parishes, which it is quite clear belonged to the 
Company of Cordwainers within the last two hundred years, 
but which since 1633 appear to have been lost (seepage 
141). Rumour indeed, even now, points at Property over 
which an individual, many years deceased, used to exercise 
the rights of ownership, which is svpposed to have been 
“ Cordwainer’s Land.” 

Notice of the appointment of new Trustees to this charity 
having been omitted in its proper place in the Appendix, 
their names are here given. The deed of enfeoffment bears 
date 8th May, 1827. 

expended in fruit for the Royal Household, enquired what became of the 
produce of his own gardens ? The reply was, not that the Trees were barren 
—there was abundance of fruit—“ but that it had been customary to distribute 
it in presents.” Thus the “ Cordwainer’s Lands” “ Appley’s Gift” “ Monies 
given to be lent,” &c. have produced fruit, and golden fruit too, but it has 
been literally given aivay» 


191 


SAMUEL BREMIIIDGE, 
WILLIAM CHAPPLE PAWLE 
WILLIAM LAW, 

RICHARD BREMRIDGE, 
BENJAMIN BALLER, JUN. 
JOHN BAKER, 

FRANCIS BAKER, 

ELLICE LEE SANDERS, 
JOHN LEWORTHY DAVIS, 


GEORGE FETTER, 
WILLIAM WOOLLACOTT, 
ALEXANDER SHAPCOTT 
ROBERT RICE, 

WILLIAM KENNELS, 
THOMAS MAY, 

THOMAS BAKER, 
WILLIAM FETTER, 
JOSHUA TURNER. 


Since the appointment of these gentlemen, both the 
lessees of the property have applied for a renewal of their 
respective leases, blit without success. The new feoffees 
have, much to their credit, discarded the old system, and the 
dawn of a brighter day at last opens on the " poor Cord- 
wainers of Barnstaple.” 


A misstatement is made at page 164, (see Appendix F.) 
which it is desirable should be corrected. My information 
was derived from a source which left me no room to doubt it’s 
correctness, but 1 have since learnt from unquestionable 
authority, that the deduction on account of land-tax is still 
made ; ichy, I cannot learn. 


The following benefactions did not come under the notice 
of the Commissioners. 

Vicarage-lane Almshouses . 

This building consists of two singularly small dwellings,* 
each having two rooms, one on the ground floor, and one 
above. 

* Both are comprised in a space of 215 feet, walls and chimnies included. 


/ 






192 


No certain information respecting either the original desig¬ 
nation of the premises, or the period of their erection, can be 
obtained,* but they are evidently very ancient, and are not 
known to have been ever applied to any other than their 
present purpose. The inmates are appointed, and the building 
kept in repair by the Rev.Thomas Boyce, Rector of Sherwill, 
from whom 1 have received the following account. ** The 
“ premises at Vicarage Corner have been in the possession of 
“ my family for some centuries past; the occupation of which 
‘‘has always been given to any indigent persons the pro¬ 
prietor has thought proper to place there.” 

As this statement tends to raise the question, are the 
premises charity , or private property ? it becomes incum¬ 
bent on me to state, that they have been always considered 
as belonging to the poor. The following is a copy of a me¬ 
morandum relative to it, made several years ago, by an indi¬ 
vidual now deceased. “ Supposed to be built and the gift 
“ of Mrs. Phillis Barnes, to the Poor of Barnstaple, and the 
“ predecessors of Mr. (Rev.)Thos. Boyce, to whom she gave 
“ her property, were bound to repair it. One Mrs. Askham 
" repaired it about 70 years since ; she left a daughter who 
“ married Mr. S. Stevens. Mr. Thomas Boyce’s mother was 
“ called Barnes.” The writer adds** search the donations in 
the Church for this gift.” I have done so, but find no 
mention of it.f The name of “ Phillis Barnes ” appears in 
1720, (see page 183) as a benefactor to the Charity School; 
this individual was probably a descendant of the supposed 
founder of the Houses alluded to. 

* On a Lead Gutter in front of the building is the date 1618, but this may 
only mark the time when the lead was placed there. 

t I have not thought it necessary to give a copy of the donations and 
bequests inscribed on the tablets (of which there are six in the South Gallery) 
in the Church, as it would be to do but little more than repeat what has, in 
,«ome shape or other, been already stated. 


193 


Frances Bar ford's Gift of £33 6s . S d. to the i?iw&te s 
of Harwood's , Paige's , and Litchdon Almshouses , ira Me 
Tote?* of Barnstaple. 

The present manager of this Charity, John May, Esq. (son 
and executor of “ John May” hereafter mentioned) with a 
laudable desire to have it more generally known, as a pre¬ 
ventive against any future misapplication of its funds ; has 
furnished me with the original statements made by his father 
respecting it, copies of which follow: — 

44 Memorandum to Posterity, 30th June, 1787.—ft is Mrs. 
41 Barford’s request that the annual interest of the £33 6s. Sd. 
44 Old South Sea Annuities, should be laid out in Bread and 
44 distributed among the poor inhabitants of Horwood’s, 
44 Paige’s, and Litchdon Almshouses, in the Tow n of 
44 Barnstaple. 

44 John May.” 

“Memorandum also to Posterity. — That Mrs. Frances 
44 Barford, of Salisbury, widow of Richard Barford, Gent. 
44 gave in her life time, Old South Sea Annuities, the interest 
44 to be given as mentioned above. The said Annuities Old 
“South Sea, was purchased the 22nd of June 1787 by her 
44 friend John May, and transferred to him for the purpose 
•* tJjat her aforesaid request might be fulfilled and complied 
44 with, and my Executors or Executrix are to do the same. 

“John May.” 

44 1809. Memorandum. — It was transferred by me to 
“ Richard Marston, Esq. and John May, Jun. my son, that as 
44 the said Richard Marston was living in London, he was 
“thereby enabled to receive the dividends without the 
44 expense of a power of attorney, w hich would be more than 
44 the annual dividend amounted to. 

2 c 


44 John May.” 


194 


“Old South Sea Annuities Office, Ely Place, Holborn, 
* “ 19th January, 1809. 

“ I hereby acknowledge to have had transferred to me by 
“Mr. John May, of Barnstaple, the sum of thirty-three pounds 
“ six shillings and eight pence, into my name and that of his 
“son Mr. John May, Jun. of the same place, which said 
“ money is to be given to the Poor of Barnstaple; that no 
“part of it is my own property, and that it is so transferred 
“for the sole purpose of my receiving the dividends upon it 
“ from time to time, and of paying those dividends to the 
“ said poor. 

“ Witness my hand, “ R, Marston.” 

The annual produce of the stock is £1, which sum was 
distributed, according to the directions of the Donor, half- 
yearly, during the life time of the late John May, Esq. 
regularly distributed in Bread amongst the inhabitants of the 
three Almshouses already named ; one half on New-year’s- 
day, and the remainder on the fourteenth of February, the 
latter day being the anniversary of the death of the Donor, 
who died in 1789. The same arrangement is continued by 
his son. A regular and correct account (which I have seen) 
of the receipts and disbursements of this charity has been 
kept from the commencement to this present year (1829.) 


“Matilda Peverell gave, Oct. 20, A. D. 1482, a tenement 
to the Mayor and others in trust, to repair St. Peter’s Church 
and the Chancel.” 

Of this gift there is “ no trace.” 




195 


V 

CHAPTER III. 

Antiquity of the Mayoralty of Barnstaple—Ancient Go¬ 
vernment of the Town—Representative History of the 
Borough — Number, Qualification , and Privileges of 
Burgesses — Charters-—Origin and Intent of Corporations 
—Municipal Body of Barnstaple —Appendix. 


ANTIQUITY OF TIIE MAYORALTY OF BARNSTAPLE. 

The office of Major in Barnstaple is certainly of 
high antiquity ; since, although not mentioned in any 
existing charter earlier than that of Henry VI., the 
privilege of choosing a Mayor was confirmed to the 
Burgesses as a prescriptive right, so far back as the 
reign of Edw. III.# The custom passed at this period 
the ordeal of three inquisitions, and the only question 
raised respecting it, was, whether or no the burgesses 
were free to make the election of themselves, or if they 
required the Lord’s license to do it; this was left 

* A writ of Quo Warranto of the reign of Edward 1., and three 
Inquisitions Temp. Edward III. form Appendix [A.] to this 
Chapter. These documents are deserving of an attentive perusal, 
and wi'll, perhaps, be read to most advantage, if taken beforo the 
Chapter itself, the three first heads of which have an especial 
reference to them. 

2 D 




196 


doubtful,but the practice was in each enquiry declared 
to be good by prescription, and must consequently 
have been then ancient. 

Oldfield, in his account of Barnstaple/ says, “ King 
John gave it a Mayor;” upon what authority this 
statement was made does not appear, but that it is an 
erroneous one there can be little doubt, otherwise the 
fact of such a grant having been made must have come 
before the jurors on the aforementioned inquisitions, 
who would, of course, have made their return accord¬ 
ingly ; it is, however, expressly said, “ that they” (the 
burgesses) “ have not the charter of the Lord the King 
nor of his progenitors, to make the said election 
The burgesses pleaded that they <f had used and 
enjoyed ” this among other “ diver’s liberties and free 
customs, by the charter of the Lord Athelstan ; ” but, 
although they failed to prove the grant of such charter, 
(which it was the interest of the Lord of the Town to 
prevent their doing,) their right, “ a Mayor from 
among themselves to elect,” was clearly established, 
and in a way that affords good grounds for concluding 
that it existed long prior to the time of King John. 

1 may mention, that the Corporation, who do not, 
that I am aware of, possess any charter of earlier date 
than the reign of Henry II. describe the borough as 
having had “ the customs of London in the time of 
Henry L and then governed by a Mayor and 
Bailiff ” Probability is certainly opposed to the 

* Representative Histocy of Great Britain and [reland, yol. 3, 
p, 299 


197 


belief that Barnstaple could have had a Mayor before 
the chief Magistrate of the city of London was so 
named,* but the above is not the only evidence which 
may be adduced in favour of such a supposition. A 
document is said, and on no very slight grounds, to 
have been prepared, and to have borne date August 8, 
1 Richard I. (1189) for the purpose of “ shewing the 
[then] Antiquity of Maior of Barnstaple, with seal of 
office.” The question whether or no such an instru¬ 
ment does, or ever did exist, is one which, I confess my 
inability to solve. Rejecting all doubtful authority, w>e 
may, however, safely decide on the evidence afforded by 
the inquisitions alone, that the Burgesses of Barnstaple 
could 'plead antiquity in support of their right to 
elect a Mayor, upwards of five centuries ago . 

The subjoined List of Mayors of Barnstaple, is (up 
to 1793) a copy of that collated by the late Benjamin 
Incledon, Esq., which is, perhaps, the best guarantee 
that could be given for its correctness. 

A. D. A. D. 

1303 Ralph Wynemor 1309 

4 [It is by no means im- ]0 

5 1 

6 probable, that the above 2 

7 3 

8 nam ed individual filled the 4 

* “ Before and since the Conquest, to the time of Rich. I. London 
was governed by a Port-reeve, and afterwards by a Mayor appointed 
by the King ; but King John, in the tenth of his reign, granted 
them liberty to choose a Mayor.”— Tomlin’s Law Dictionary , Art * 
London. 


office during many of 
these intervening years.] 


198 


A. I). 


A. D. 


1315 John Pollard 

6 

7 

8 

9 John Pollard 

20 

1 

2 John Pollard 

3 John de Collacot 

4 Thomas de la Bar 

5 Bernard de la Bogh 

6 Bernard de la Bogh 

7 John Collacot 

8 Galfridus de Fremington 

9 Galfridus Tinctor 
30 John Collacot 

1 Thomas de la Bar 

2 William Webber 

3 John Pollard 

4 Galfridus de Fremington 

5 Thomas de la Bar 

6 Ralph Small comb 

7 Galfridus Tinctor 

8 
9 

40 

1 

2 

3 

4 Roger Molland 

5 

6 John Widger 

7 John Boughdon 


1348 John Smith 
9 John Collin 
50 John Bowdon 

1 Thomas Widger 

2 John Bowdon 

3 John Squire 

4 Richard Dulverton 

5 John Pugsley 

6 John Widger 

7 

8 

9 Simon de la Bar 
60 

1 

2 John Webber 

3 Walter Yeo 

4 

5 William Gibb 

6 

7 

8 Symon Bade 

9 William Gibb 
70 Richard Dulverton 

1 Richard Dulverton 

2 Richard Dulverton 

3 John Bydewill 

4 

5 

6 John Neel 

7 John Neel 

8 Simon Bade 

9 Thomas Lelye 
80 Joseph Anthony 


199 


1381 

2 John Bydewill 

3 John Bydewill 

4 Thomas Lelye 

5 

6 

7 

8 John Pitman 

9 

90 John Pitman 

1 Thomas Lelye 

2 

3 

4 

5 John Bydewill 
G 

7 

8 

9 John Bydewill 
1400 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 Thomas Holman 

7 Thomas Hooper 

8 

9 

10 
1 
2 

3 Thomas Walsh 


1414 

5 

6 

7 Thomas Walsh 

8 Thomas Walsh 

9 Thomas Holman 
20 Thomas Holman 

1 Thomas Walsh 

2 Thomas Hooper 

3 William Hertyscot 

4 Thomas Hertyscot 

5 William Hertyscot 

6 John Goldsmith 

7 Thomas Hooper 

8 John Goldsmith 

9 Thomas Hooper 
30 John Goldsmith 

1 Richard Bowdon 

2 William Hertyscot 

3 William Bedwin 

4 Richard Bowdon 

5 John Hutchen 

6 William Hertyscot 

7 William Bowdon 

8 William Rowe 

9 John Mules 

40 Richard Bowdon 

1 John Mules 

2 Richard Norris 

3 William Bedwin 

4 John Mules. 

5 Walter Hayinan 
G Richard Rowe 


200 


A. D. 

1447 Walter Hayne 

8 William Hertyscot 

9 Richard Newcomb 
50 John Widon 

1 Nicholas Bovey 

2 William Upcott 

3 Richard Pickard 

4 John Widger 

5 Walter Gay nock 

6 Richard Newcombe 

7 Walter Gay nock 

8 William Charnier 

9 John Widger 
60 John Bowdon 

1 John Smith 

2 John Collins 

3 John Widger 

4 John Collins 

5 John Widger 

6 John Bowden 

7 John Widger 

8 John Pugsley 

9 John Bowdon 
70 John Widger 

1 John Squire 

2 John Widger 

3 Philip Stigan 

4 John Pugsley 

5 John Collins 

6 John Hart 

7 Philip Stigan 

8 John Branton 

9 John Bowdon 


A. D. 

1480 Thomas White 

1 John Mart 

2 Richard Crews 

3 Robert Symons 

4 John Smith 

5 Walter Nicholls 

6 William Dallinton 

7 John Hart 

8 Philip Warington 

9 Robert Symons 
90 John Salisbury 

1 William Dallinton 

2 Roger Colmer 

3 John Smith 

4 Robert Symons 

5 Arthur Merryfield 

6 John Salisbury 

7 Roger Colmer 

8 Richard Parminter 

9 William Cosby 
1500 John Salisbury 

1 Richard Dobyn 

2 Robert Symons 

3 Philip Warington 

4 Arthur Merryfield 

5 John Upcot 

6 John Smith 

7 William Dobney 

8 Thomas Story 

9 Robert Colmer 

10 John Godsland 

1 Thomas Story 

2 William Dobney 


201 


A. I). 

1513 John Godsland 

4 Thomas Beck 

5 Thomas Ferrye 

6 Thomas Alee 

7 Robert Colmer 

8 Thomas Alee 

9 Thomas Ferrye 
20 Robert Cock ram 

1 Paul Smith 

2 John Upcott 

3 John Merry field 

4 Arthur Merryfield 

5 John Godsland 

6 Philip Colmer 

7 Richard Haydon 

8 Richard Haydon 

9 Thomas Beak 
30 Walter Salisbury 

1 Paul Smith 

2 John Manyng 

3 Richard Gay 

4 David Phillips 

5 John Manyng 

6 Philip Colmer 

7 Baldwin Peard 

8 Richard Skinner 

9 Walter Salisbury 
40 Henry Drewe 

1 John Manyng 

2 Richard Gay 

3 Thomas Jefferv 

4 John Godsland 
9 John Holland 


1546 William Canford 
7 Thomas Davy 
S Henry Cade 
9 Roger Worth 
50 James Godsland 

1 Richard Skinner 

2 Thomas Davy 

3 John Smith 

4 Robert Apley 

5 Robert Cade 

6 George Stapleton 

7 John Dart 

8 William Salisbury 

9 John Beaple 

60 Edward Colscot 

1 John Daymond 

2 Nicholas Whichalse 

3 William Dawkins 

4 Hugh Brazier 

5 Oliver Peard 

6 John Daymond 

7 John Arscott 

8 John Dart 

9 Robert A pley 
70 Robert Cade 

1 Thomas Beaple 

2 Philip Holland 

3 Hugh Brazier 

4 William Dawkins 

5 John Barrett 

6 William Collibear 

7 Paul Worth 

8 John Harris 


202 


A. D. 

1579 John Dodderidge 
80 John Welsh 

1 John Daymond 

2 Robert Apley 

3 Richard Avery 

4 William Collihear 

5 William Palmer 

6 George Pyne 

7 Richard Peard, 

died, and was succeeded by 

John Harris 

8 Robert Prowse 

9 Richard Dodderidge 
90 Roger Beaple 

1 Roger Cade 

2 Paul Worth 

3 James Beaple 

4 William Collibear 

5 George Pyne 

6 John Harris 

7 Robert Apley, jun. 

8 Nicholas Down 

9 Roger Beaple 
1600 John Delbridge 

1 George Stanbury 

2 Bartholomew Harris 

3 Paul Worth 

4 James Beaple 

5 James Wodrooffe 

6 John Peard 

7 Richard Beaple 

8 Richard Harris 

9 James Downe 


A. D. 

1610 William Shapleigh 

1 Pentecost Dodderidge 

2 William Palmer, jun. 

3 Nicholas Downe 

4 Adam Lugge 

5 John Delbridge 

6 George Baker 

7 James Bulteel 

8 Thomas Westlake 

9 Nicholas Delbridge 
20 John Penrose 

1 Richard Beaple 

2 John Peard 

3 Justinian Westcombe 

4 John Hanmer 

5 Edward Eastmond 

6 Richard Harris 

7 Pentecost Dodderidge 

8 Nicholas Downe 

9 Gilbert Paige 
30 Richard Medford 

1 William Palmer 

2 Richard Ferris 

3 John Delbridge 

4 Alexander Horwood 

5 Richard Beaple 

6 Henry Mason 

7 Pentecost Dodderidge 

8 George Ferris, 
died, and was succeeded by 

Anthony Gay 

9 Walter Tucker 
40 Thomas Horwood 


203 


A. I). 

A. D. 

1641 Gilbert Paige 

1674 Richard Hooper 

2 William Palmer 

5 Thomas Cole 

3 Charles Pearde 

6 Thomas Harris 

4 Adam Lngge 

7 Richard Salisbury 

5 John Downe 

8 John Fairchild 

6 Richard Ferris 

9 Henry Drake 

7 William Nottel 

80 John Stephens 

8 Richard Harris 

1 Hugh Marshall 

9 Nicholas Cooke 

2 William Wakeman 

50 Hugh Horsham 

3 Edward Rice 

1 Thomas Dennys 

4 George Fairchild 

2 Thomas Matthew 

5 John Peard 

3 Thomas Horwood 

6 John Blake 

4 John Horwood 

7 Henry Ravening 

5 Richard Medford 

8 Richard Barnes 

6 Roger Jeffery 

9 Christopher Hunt 

7 Peter Docton 

90 James Kingsland 

8 Joseph Delbridge 

1 Nicholas Cooke 

0 William Westcomb 

2 Thomas Seldon 

60 Richard Hooper 

3 John Hunt 

1 Adam Lugge 

4 Nicholas Ginger 

2 John Downe 

5 William Greenslade 

3 Arthur Ackland 

6 Jeffery Bagilhole 

4 John Seldon 

7 Charles Standish 

5 John Palmer 

8 Nathaniel Cox, 

6 John Gread 

died, and was succeeded 

7 Thomas Matthew 

Hugh Marshall 

8 Thomas Cox 

9 Richard Cornish 

9 Richard Medford 

1700 Thomas Harris 

70 Roger Jeffery 

1 John Rowley 

1 George Rooke 

2 John Webber 

2 William Westcombe 

3 Philip Greenslade, 

3 Christopher Hunt 

died, and was succeeded 


204 


1703 William Wakeman 

4 Richard Cornish 

5 Benjamin Bailer 

6 William Taylor 

7 James Sloley 

8 Richard Melhuish 

9 Richard Gread 
10 John Philipps 

1 John Marshall 

2 Robert Incledon 

3 Giles Randle 

4 William Roberts 

5 John Baker 

6 Christopher Can trow 

7 Robert Nichols 

8 Edward Fairchild 

9 John W T ebber 
20 John Philips 

1 Robert Incledon 

2 Lewis Gregory 

3 James Kimpland 

4 Zachary Chappel 

5 Edward Fairchild 

6 John Gaydon 

7 John Marshall 

8 Richard Newell 

9 John Baker 
30 George Score 

1 Samuel Berry 

2 Benjamin Bailer 

3 Thomas Harris 

4 Chari es Velly 

5 Richard Knight 


1736 Paul Tucker 

7 Alexander Webber 

8 Henry Bearis 

9 George Wickey 
40 John Fraine 

1 Matthew Roch 

2 Roger Chappell 

3 John Baker 

4 Charles Wright 

5 Robert King 

6 Marshall Swayne 

7 Mark Slee 

8 Charles Marshall 

9 Charles Velly 
50 Richard Knight 

1 Henry Beavis 

2 John Fraine 

3 Matthew Roch 

4 Benjamin Grant 

5 Richard Thorne 

6 Daniel Marriott 

7 Henry Drake 

8 Paul Tucker 

9 Thomas Earl 
60 Mourner Roch 

1 Charles Venn 

died, and was succeeded by 
Richard Knight 

2 Roger Chappell 

3 Charles Marshall 

4 John Baker 

5 Edward Houndle 

6 Nicholas Shepherd 


205 


A. D. A. 1). 

1767 Richard Thorne 

8 Daniel Marriot 

9 Richard Honvchurch 1794 

* 

died same day on which he 5 
was sworn—succeeded by 6 

Simon Moule 7 

70 Samuel Chappell 8 

1 John Robins 9 

2 Henry Colley 1800 

3 Nicholas Shepherd, jun. 1 

4 George Greek 2 

5 Francis Tucker 3 

6 James Reed 4 

7 Charles Marshall 5 

8 Mounier Roch 

9 Stewkley Stephens 

80 John Moule 0 

1 Roger Chappell 7 

2 Edward Houndle S 

3 John Law 9 

4 William Cottle 10 

5 Samuel Chappell 1 

6 John Tucker 2 

7 Nicholas Glass 3 

8 John Roberts 4 

9 John May 5 

90 William Dean 6 

1 George Greek 7 

2 William Law 8 

3 John Servante, 9 


left the town,—succeeded by 
George Greek* 

Henry Gardiner Tippetts 
Charles Marshall 
John Moule 

Richard Rowe Metherell 
William Slocombe 
John Gaydon 
Nicholas Sheppard 
Thomas Copner 
William Servante 
John Law 
Nicholas Glass 
Henry Bel lew 
died, and was succeeded by 
John Moule 
John Pyke 
John Roberts 
Philip Bremridge 
Samuel Bremridge 
John May 
William Law 
Richard Rowe Metherell 
William Slocombe 
William Chappie Pawle 
John May, jun. 

Ed. Richards Roberts 
Samuel Bremridge 
William Law, jun. 

John Law 


* Here ends Mr. B. Incledon’s List, which is thus prefaced :— 

“ I think the following List of Mayors of Barnstaple, may be looked 
on as the most perfect list extant. 

“ 27th September, 1794. “ Benjamin Incledon, Recorder.” 


206 


A. I). 

]S20 Thomas Copner 

1 John Pyke 

2 Charles Roberts 

3 John Cooke 

4 John Marshall 


A. D. 

1825 Samuel Bremridge 
(1 Henry Nicholls, Clerk 

7 Nicholas Glass 

8 Robert Budd 

9 Richard Bremridge. 


ANCIENT GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN. 

The manner in which the Town is at present go¬ 
verned, is so different from what it was in former 
times that it may not prove uninteresting to enquire, 
to whom the administration of the laws was committed, 
and to what extent they were allowed to go in the 
execution of them. 

The management of civil affairs appears to have 
been divided betwixt the Mayor and Bailiffs, and the 
Lord of the Town ; but the jurisdiction in criminal 
matters to have been wholly vested in the latter. This 
state of things did not, however, continue longer than 
till the reign of Henry VI. whose charter enacts, that 
“ all pleas of trespasses or contracts, &c. shall be 
“ pleaded before the Mayor and Bailiffs; ” and also 
that “ the Burgesses of the same Borough may have 
" Infangenethef and Outfangenethef, &c.” 

The Mayor and Bailiffs may be considered as having 
acted in unison with some other of the principal Bur¬ 
gesses, (usually termed “Maisters,” or “ Comonaltie,”) 
in order to prevent their privileges from being 
encroached upon. Feudal Lords possessed considerable 
power and influence; either, or both of which, as 



207 


occasion required, they were ever ready to use for the 
purpose of extending* their authority, and adding to 
their domains. 

Instances are not wanting to shew, that endeavours 
were sometimes made, to abridge the liberties enjoyed 
by the Burgesses; and there can be little doubt but 
that the petition which gave rise to the inquisitions 
already referred to, had its origin in some attempt of 
this kind. There is, indeed, just cause for suspicion, 
that by the exercise of undue influence, in this case the 
old adage of “ might overcomes right ” was verified, 
as we find many privileges denied the Burgesses, to 
which we may reasonably suppose they were entitled, 
or which, at least, they would not have claimed, and 
sought in so determined a manner to establish, but 
upon good grounds. It is observable, that all the 
liberties then prayed for by the Burgesses, have, with 
many additional ones, been since granted to them by 
Charter. 

The authority vested in the Lord of the Town, par¬ 
ticularly as it regarded the execution of the penal laws, 
was extensive; embracing 

First ,—View of Frankpledge . This is an institution 
of very ancient origin, the view or superintendence of 
which was commonly entrusted to the sheriffs. Cowell 
describes it as “ a pledge or surety for freemen. 
“ For the ancient custom of England for the preser- 
46 vation of the public peace, was, that every freeborn 
44 man at fourteen years of age, religious persons, 
64 clerks, knights, and their eldest sons, excepted, 
41 should find security for his fidelity to the King, or 


208 


“ else be kept m prison ; whence it became customary 
“ for a certain number of neighbours to be bound for 
“ one another, to see each man of their pledge forth- 
“ coming at all times, or to answer the transgression 
“ of any one absenting himself; this was called 
frankpledge , and commonly consisted of ten 
“ households. The Sheriffs were from time to time 
“ to take the oaths of youths who had reached the 
“ above-mentioned age, and see that they combined 
“ in one party or other, and this branch of their 
“ authority was called visus franciplegii , view of 
“ frankpledge.”—Abridged from CoweVs Law Diet. 

The following’ is a modern and more comprehensive 
definition of the term:—“ Court Leet or View of 
“ Frankpledge ; a court of record said to be the most 
“ ancient in the land for criminal matters. Its ori- 
“ ginal intent was to view the Frankpledges, that is, 
“ the freemen within the liberty, who were, according 
“ to the institution of Alfred, pledges for the good 
“ behaviour of each other ; besides this, the preserva- 
u tion of the peace, and the correction of minute 
“ offences against the public good, were the objects of 
“ this court; there also, by immemorial usage, the 
“ constables of the hundred are elected and sworn. 
“ The business of this court has, however, in a great 
“ measure devolved upon the Quarter Sessions.”— 
Ency. Metrop ., Art. Court . 

Many antiquarians suppose that Frankpledge was 
anciently denoted by the word borge or borgh , a 
borough. Dr. Johnson brings forward a quotation 
from Spencer, in support of this opinion. 


209 


Second,—The Pillory. This instrument of punish¬ 
ment, although not much used in England at present, 
is sufficiently known to render any description of it 
here unnecessary.* 

Third,—The Tumbrell; a definition of which, and 
the uses to which it was applied, may be new to many 
of my readers. 

The “Cucking-stool, Ducking-stool, or Tum¬ 
brell,” was “ an engine for the punishment of scolds 
and unquiet women.” It was called by the Saxons, 
“ a Scaljing-stole,” and in Domesday Book, 44 Cathe- 
44 dra Stercoralis, having been anciently employed 
64 to duck fraudulent brewers and bakers in stercore, 
“ stinking water,” (literally dung or filth.) 

“A woman,” says Sir Edward Coke, (3 Inst, 219, 
4 Comm. 169), r< indicted for being a common scold, 
44 if convicted, shall be sentenced to be placed in a 
44 certain Instrument of Correction called the Tre- 
44 bucket, Tumbrell , Tymborella , Castigatory, 
44 or Cucking-stool, which in the Saxon language 
44 signifies the Scolding-stool, though now it is 

* In looking at the description of offences formerly visited with 
the infliction of the Pillory, we cannot but be struck with the con¬ 
trast presented to us in the administration of the law in modern 
times. “ By the statute of the Pillory, 51, Hen. 3. stat. 6, it is 
appointed for bakers, forstallers and those who use false weights! 
persons guilty of perjury, forgery, &c.” Coke’s Inst. vol. 3. p. 219. 

Some of the offences here enumerated, are, it is well known, now 
punishable only by trifling fines, whilst another is visited, not with 
retributive justice, as when “ the voice of a brother’s blood crieth 
from the ground,” but with the vengeance of a sanguinary and 
unequal law. 


210 


44 frequently corrupted into Ducking-stool , because 
44 the residue of the judgment is, that when she is so 
44 placed therein, she shall be plunged into the water 
44 for her punishment.” 

In the Homilies of the Church it is said that 44 because 
44 this vice [brawling] is so much hurtful to the society 
r4 of a commonwealth, in all well ordered cities, 
44 these common brawlers and scolders d>e punished 
44 with a notable kind of,pain, as to be set on the 

Cucking-stole ” 

So late as the 6th Charles I. a new 44 iron tumbrel 
•' 4 or ducking stool was made for the use of this Borough 
44 and Parish, it cost £ 3 we may therefore infer, 
that up to that period, this mode of punishment was 
common. It is mentioned in the time of Queen 
Elizabeth, as standing by the river side, 44 on Castle 
Poyntit was probably usually kept there. The 
instrument was of very simple,construction, consisting 
of a long beam or lever, moving up and down on a 
centre ; at one end was fixed a chair or stool, to which 
the culprit was confined, and forthwith plunged into 
the pond or stream beneath. 

Fourth, — The Gallows . The earliest authentic 
record I have discovered in which mention is made of 
the right of inflicting capital punishment here is the 
writ of Quo Warranto noticed at page 195. Of the 
issue of this writ no account is known to exist, but 
amongst the chronicles of the Town, I find an extract, 
apparently taken from a similar document, in which 
the same liberties are claimed, with the additional ones 


*211 


of a “Fair and Market all which, it is said, “ the 
Jury presented,” [confirmed.] This is dated 1281. 

In three instances during this and the succeeding 
reign, (in 1303, 1318, aud 1325), a “Guild”* was 
held here and “Furchyngmen appointed ;” the names 
of these officers in 1303, were Matthew Chyvenor, 
Rus le Dirna, Bernard us de la Boghe, Symson de la 
Bar. 

The word Furchyngmen is not, l believe, to be met 
with in any glossary, but it is evidently derived from 
Furca, a gallows, and may be properly taken here for 
executioners. In this definition of the term, which 
otherwise l should not advance with so much con¬ 
fidence, I am borne out by the opinion of an eminent 
scholar and antiquarian, who says, “ Furchyngmen 
“ may either signify the executioner and his assistants, 
“ or the men who had the charge of keeping the 
“ gallows, tumbrel, and other instruments of punish- 
“ ment used in the Manor, in proper repair.” 

The grant by Henry VI. of Tnfangencthef f and 
Out fang enethcf % to the burgesses, vested the power 

* This word which ranst here be taken for a court or assize, was 
anciently used to denote, not only a “fraternity,” but a “com¬ 
pensation or penalty for a fault committed.” 

t Infangthef, Infangenetheof, from Sax. Fang or Fangen, i. e. 
capere and Theof, Fur. A privilege or liberty granted unto Lords 
of certain manors, to judge auy thief taken within their Fee. 
Tomlin's Law Diet. 

J A privilege whereby a Lord was empowered to bring a man, 
dwelling in his own manor, but taken for felony out of it , to trial 
in his own court .—'Ibid. 

2 F 


212 


which had hitherto been exercised by the Lord of the 
Town, in the Mayor and Bailiffs. The right of inflict¬ 
ing capital punishment appears to have continued until 
the time of James I. whose charter enacts that the 
jurisdiction of the Magistrates shall not extend to the 
determination of any betraying “of murder or felony, 
“ or any other matter touching the loss of life or mem- 
“ her.” See Charles 8, James 1, clause u, App. [h.] 

REPRESENTATIVE HISTORY OF THE BOROUGH. 

However defective the evidence may be considered 
as to the Castle of Barnstaple having been founded by 
Athelstan, it will hardly be disputed that the Borough 
was represented in the Witena Gemot, or Anglo Saxon 
Parliament.* Our forefathers, to their lasting honor, 
at a time when it would appear an attempt was making 
to deprive them of the ancient privilege of sending 
deputies to the great council of the nation, nobly stood 
forward, and, even in those days of feudal tyranny, 
petitioned again and again in maintenance of their 
rights. Not only did they succeed in securing to them 
selves and their descendants the continuance of so 
valuable an immunity, but to them are we indebted 
as a nation for perhaps the best evidence which the 
archives of the kingdom afford, that any of the cities 

* “ This great council (the English Parliament) hath been held 
“ immemoriably, under the several names of michel synoth, or 
“ great council; michel gemote, or great meeting ; and more fre- 
" qucntly Witena Gemot, or meeting of wise men.” It was also 
styled " magnum concilium regis &c. 


213 


and boroughs of England had a voice in the parlia¬ 
mentary assembly of our Saxon Ancestors. I refer to 
the inquisitions made in the reign of Edward III. in 
consequence of a petition from the town of Barnstaple, 
touching their privileges, already mentioned. 

I am relieved from the duty of discussing the eviction 
contained in these interesting documents, this having 
been so ably done by that distinguished historian, Lord 
Lyttleton, in his Life of King Henry II. 

“ Having now,” says the noble author, “ considered 

the claim of the town of St. Alban’s, I shall trans- 
44 cribe some records in the Tower of London, con- 
44 cerning a petition in Parliament to King Edward 
44 the Third, from the town of Barnstaple, in Devon- 
44 shire, wherein they set forth, that, among other 
44 privileges granted them by a charter of King Athel- 
44 stan, they had from that time enjoyed the right of 
<4 sending two burgesses to serve for them in Parlia- 
44 ment. And first, I shall give an extract from the 
44 writ of inquisition founded on that petition, which is 
44 recited therein:— 4 Sciatis, quod, cum nuper ad 
44 prosecutionem burgensium villse de Barnstaple, in 
44 com. Devon, per petitionem suam coram nobis et 
44 concilio nostro exhibitam nobis supplicantium, ut 
44 cum villa prasdicta, a tempore cujus contrarii me- 
44 moria non existit, liber burgus fuerit, iidemque 
44 burgenses, et eorum antecessores, burgenses villae 
44 praedictae diversis libertatibus et liberis consuetudini- 

* See No. 2 App# [a.] for a translation both of the petition and 
inquisition. 


214 


“ bus per cartam Celebris memorise D. Atbelstani, 
“ dudum regis Angliae, progenitoris nostri, quae ad 
liberum burgum pertinent a tempore confectionis 
“ dicta? cartae usi fuerunt et gavisi, in hoc, viz. quod 
4f tenementa sua in eodem burgo in testamento suo in 
“ ultima voluntate sua quibuscunque voluerint legare, 
“ et majorem de se ipsis, coram quo omnia placita 
fi dictum burgum et suburbium ejusdem tangentia 
“ placitari et terminari debeant, eligire, ac ad singula 
“ parliamenta nostra, et dictorum antecessorurn nos- 
“ trorum, duos burgenses pro communitate ejusdem 
“ burgi mittere, nec non in singulis taxationibus, etc. 
“ consueverunt: therefore the King ordered an inquest 
“ to be made into the truth of the facts therein alleged, 
“ and particularly, si carta ilia fuerit amissa, as the 
<f petitioners had set forth, and whether it would be 
“ proper to grant them another, confirming to them 
“ die same liberties, as they had desired. In the 
“ return to this the jurors say,—‘ Burgenses dictte 
“ villas ad singula parliamenta duos burgenses pro 
" communitate dicti burgi mittere solebant; item 
“ dicunt, quod nihil eis constabat de carta D. Athel- 
stani, dudum regis Angliae, praedictis burgensibus, 
“ seu eorum praedecessoribus, de diversis libertatibus 
“ seu consuetudinibus praedictis ut asserunt, concessis. 5 
“ This not satisfying the burgesses, they obtained a 
“ writ ad quod damnum, to enquire,—Si prcedicta 
“ burgenses dictas liberates eis per cartam praedicti 
“ Atbelstani, ut praedicitur, concessas, a tempore prce- 

* See No. 2 App. [a.] 


215 


“ dicto usi fuerunt et gavisi, et si carta ilia in forma 
“ prsedicta fuerit arnissa; nec non ad quod damnum 
“ seu praejudicium nostrum aut alterius cujuscunque 
“ eederet, si nos dictas libertates eisdem burgensibus 
“ per cartam praedicti Athelstani, ut asserunt, conces- 
“ sas, nec non praedictas libertates per eos de novo 
“ petitas, prout superius continentur, per cartam nos- 
44 tram concedamus sibi et hseredibus et successoribus 
“ suis in perpetuum possidendas; et ideo vobis manda- 
“ mus, quod at certos dies et locos, quos vos tres, vel 
44 duo vestrum, ad hoc provideritis, inquisitionem 
44 dlam super praernissis et ea tangentibus in forma 
fi prsedicta faciatis, etc/ 

44 The return of this writ is as follows:— 4 Inquisitio 
44 capta apud Barnstaple coram Hamone de Dervvor- 
lf thy, etJoan.de Baumfeld, justiciariis D. regis ad 
44 inquisitionem illam capiendam una cum Joanne de 
“ de Stonford et Bicard, de Hawkeston, in praesent. 
“ Walteri de Horton, Vicecomitis Devon, die sabbat. 
“ etc. an. regni Edw. regis Angliae tertii 17, etc. super 
44 sacramentum R. de Wolfe, etc. qui dicunt super 
44 sacramentum suum, quod villa de Barnstaple est 
“ liber burgus, et fuit a tempore quo non extat memo- 
“ ria. Item dicunt quod burgenses villas prasdictae, et 
44 eorum antecessores diversis libertatibus et liberis 
“ consuetudinibus per cartam Celebris memorise D. 
“ Athelstani, dudum regis Anglias progenitoris D. 
46 regis nunc, quse ad dictum burgum pertinent a 
44 tempore confectionis cartae praedictas semper hactenus 
4r usi fuerunt et gavisi, et adhuc gaudent et utuntur, 
14 videlicet quod tenementa sua, etc. etc. Ac ad singula 


216 


44 parliamenta D. regis duos burgenses pro commuui- 
“ tate ejusdem burgi mittere, nec non in singulis 
“ taxationibus, etc. consuevemnt. Dicunt etiam quod 
44 prfedicta carta, de praedictis libertatibus et consuetu- 
44 dinibus, eisdem burgensibus per praedictum D. 
44 Atbelstanum facta, casualiter fuerit ainissa. Item 
44 dicunt quod non est ad damnum seu prejudicium D. 
44 regis aut alterius cujuscunque, licet D. rex per 
44 cartam suam omnes libertates praedictas eisdem 
44 burgensibus et hasredibus, etc. per cartam predict. 
44 Atlielstani prius concessas concederet in perpetuum 
44 possidendas/ 

44 Nevertheless, another writ of the follow ing year, 
44 after reciting the proceedings had upon the two 
46 former writs, says, that, upon complaint having 
4{ been made, that the latter return had been artfully 
4 * and unduly obtained, * 4 Nos advertentes, quod 
44 hujusmodi libertates absque gravi prasjudicio nostro 
44 et damno et prejudicio aliorum non possunt concedi 
44 hominibus supradictis, praesertim cum dicta villa de 
44 nobis teneatur in capite, ut accepimus et custodia 
44 ejusdem, nominecustodiae ad noset haeredes nostros 
44 devolvi, firmaque comitatus prsedicti in parte dimi- 
44 nui et alia incommoda tarn nobis, quam aliis, eve- 
44 nire possent, volentesque eo praetextu super hiis 
44 pleniis informari, assignavimus, etc/ The return 
44 to this inquisition finds, that Joannes de Audley 
44 held this borough of the king in capite per baroniam, 
44 contradicts the finding of the former returns in 

* See No. 3 App. [a.] 


217 


“ many points, and particularly says,—* Quod nichil 
eis constat nec constabat de carta I). Athelstani 
‘‘ dudum R. Angliae, per quam prasdicti burgenses 
“ praetendunt sibi et eorum prasdecessoribus quasdam 
“ fuisse libertates concessas. But with regard to 
<r their right in sending burgesses to serve for them 
“ in Parliament from time immemorial, which the 
two former returns had acknowledged and con- 
firmed, it says nothing. And we find that they 
Cf continued to send them uninterruptedly after this 
“ time, without any new charter or franchise granted 
n to them, but purely by prescription. 

“ Now, granting that the pretended charter of Athel- 
“ stan, the existence of which is admitted by the second 
“ of these returns, but left doubtful by the first and last, 
“ did never exist, yet still these records are of great 
cc importance to the question of which I am treating. 
“ For, if no burgesses had been sent to Parliament 
before the forty ninth year of King Henry the third, 
how is it possible that the Concilium Regis, within 
“ fourscore years after that remarkable epocha, viz. in 
“ the seventeenth of Edward the third, should have 
“ suffered that prince to order an inquisition to be 
“ made into the truth of an allegation so apparently 
“ false, as that the Burgesses of Barnstaple had enjoyed 
“ a right of sending two members to serve for them in 
u all the parliaments of his royal predecessors from the 
“ time of King Athelstan? or what evidence could 
“ induce jurors, upon the second inquisition before 
“ two of the King^s Justices and the Sheriff of Devon, 
“ to find a fact which the whole county, and indeed 


21S 


c< the whole kingdom, must have been able to con- 
“ tradict from publick notoriety ? The absurdity 
“ would be still greater, if the practice of summoning 
“ burgesses to parliamentary meetings be dated from 

the twenty third of Edward the first, as it is by many 
“ writers. But the clear inference from these pro- 
“ ceedings appears to be, that the custom of sending 
ft members from cities and towns to parliaments, or 
tf great councils, was then known to be ancient; and 
<f the question was, whether Barnstaple was entitled to 
“ that privilege, either by charter or prescription. In 
“ the final issue we find, that, with regard to the 
“ charter, which the burgesses of that towm pretended 
“ to have lost, sufficient proof was not given; and 
“ therefore the other privileges, which they claimed 
“ in virtue thereof, were not confirmed or renewed: 
“ but this of sending representatives to serve for them 
“ in Parliament, was admitted to be good from long 
“ usage and prescription .”—Life of Henry 2nd , vof. 
3, pp 88—91. 

Subsequent writers have also brought forward these 
inquisitions in support of the position that the Commons 
formed a part of the Saxon Parliament. From one of 
these authors an extract shall be given. 

“ Although we have no direct evidence from records, 
“ that the cities and burghs were represented in the 
“ witena-gemote, yet there seems to be sufficient 
“ probabilities of evidence, that the fact was so. The 
“ claim of the borough of Barnstaple in Devonshire, 
rc must have considerable weight on our judgment 
“ when we reflect on this subject. In a petition to 


219 


“ Parliament, presented in the reign of Edward the 
“ third, the borough claimed to have been chartered 
by Athelstan with several privileges, and to have sent, 
from time immemorial, Burgesses to Parliament. 
ts P s claims were investigated by jurors legally 
appointed, and though from the loss of the charter 
the other immunities were not confirmed, its right 
“ of sending' Burgesses was admitted to continue .”— 
Turner’s Hist, of the Ang. Saxons , vol. 3, p. 235. 

Barnstaple is then, beyond controversy, entitled to 
rank among the most ancient of represented boroughs. 

A List of Members, from the twenty third year of 
the reign of Edward the First * to the present time 
follows:— 


Edward I. (began to reign 1272. 


YEAR. 

23 Walter le Barnstaple 
26 Philip Brideport 
28 William de Urye 
30 Thomas Geinyan 

33 Matthew de Chimenore 

34 Ralph Wynemere 

35 Ralph Wylerner 


Durant le Cordiwaner 
John Pindumine 
Bernard le Boghe 
Richard Wegg 
Ralph Wylemere 
Walter de Pletyngdon 
Philip Scherpe 


Edward II. (1307.) 


1 Ralph Wylerner 

2 William Mabbeton 

6 Ralph Wynnomere 

7 Ditto 

8 Bernard le Bogh 

12 Ralph de Winnermere 


Matthew de Chynore 
Thomas de Yhbbeton 
Robert de Meddon 
Ditto 

Ralph Wynnomere 
Thomas Atte Mylle 


* This is the oldest date of any such record known to exist. 

2 G 


220 


YEAR. 

15 Bernard Atte Bogli 
19 Bernard Atte Bogh 


John Surry 
Thomas Atte Barre 

III. (1327.) 

Vincent Barnstaple 
Geffry Pilton 
Ditto 

William Scortore 
Adam Hakkam 
Thomas Atte Barre 
Walter Hugh 
Thomas Atte Barre 
Thomas Atte Barre 
Geffry Flittington 
GefFry Flittington 
Thomas Fardell 
John Aubell 
Edmund Penny 
Thomas Pole 
John Coldcote 
William Atte Welle 
John Merewood 
Ralph Axbridge 
William Houncote 
Richard Hacche 
Robert de Hacche 
John Bouroun 
Thomas More 
John Burgess 
William Cary 
Thomas Moore 
John Mille 
Thomas Moore 
Robert Moore 


Edward 

2 Thomas de la Barre 

4 Geffry Flittington 

5 Ditto 

G Ditto 

7 Robert Southray 

8 John Collacote 

9 Robert Luctomb 

.9 (At York) J. Collacote 

110 Geffry Flittington 

11 Geffry Fardell 

111 Robert Aubell 

12 Thomas Atte Barre 
12 Ralph Winnock 
14 Geffry Flittington 
14 Thomas Atte Barre 

14 Bernard Atte Bogh 

15 Thomas de Cramthorne 
17 Simon de Braysford 

21 Roger Moliende 

22 Walter Marshall 

24 John Mille 

25 John Mille 

29 John Wineauldon 
31 Robert Hacche 
34 Walter Fepp 

36 Gregory Hake worthy 
3G John Hille 

37 Walter Frepp 

38 John Aston 

42 Robert Hacche 


221 


year. 


43 Robert Ilacclie 

John Sadlere 

45 (Council at Winchester) William Torner 

46 (Parliament at Westm.) Jno. Coppleston, 1 

47 John Coppleston 

John Cross 

50 John Coppleston 

Thomas Raymond 

Richard 

11. (1337.) 

1 John Coppleston 

Thomas Raymond 

2 John Fouk 

Alfred Wicke 

3 John Coppleston 

John Pouke 

4 John Cross 

John Bide well 

7 Gilbert Newburgh 

Henry Wild 

8 John Prous 

Elias Brace 

9 John Gray 

John Heuryes 

10 John Brail well 

John Anthony 

11 Thomas Norris 

AVilliam Long 

12 John Sampford 

Roger Rede 

12 Robert Cook 

Thomas Norreys 

15 John Ashton 

Robert Combre 

17 John Bydewille 

Thomas Norreys 

18 Thomas Norreys 

John Bridwill 

20 Robert Nap ton 

Thomas Holman 

Henry 

IV. (1399.) 

1 Thomas Haupere 

Walter Spenser 

3 Robert Napton 

John Gutt 

8 John Bakewili 

John Hunt 

12 Nicholas Bromford 

A lured Wonston 

Henry 

V. (1413.) 

1 Thomas Haslegh 

John Broomford 

2 John Pyne 

John Walwayne 

7 John Lutterell 

Thomas Pyers 


222 


YEAR. 

♦ 

8 William Weld 

Walter Prideaux 

9 John Barley 

Henry Sadler 

Henry VI. (1422.) 

1 Richard Wode 

Walter Atte Barre 

2 John Cockworthy 

John Moore 

3 Thomas Passaware 

William Whitfield 

4 Richard Thorne 

Walter Harry 

6 John Trible 

John Strete 

8 John Cockworthy 

Thomas Hill 

9 James Gascoine 

John Wydeslade 

11 John Woolston 

Thomas Giftard 

13 John Cokeworthy 

John Wolston 

15 John Bere 

Hugh Champernoun 

20 Reginald Bertlet 

John Clarke 

25 Walter Heyngham 

William Davey 

27 John Dennys 

Henry Redwyne 

28 John Greech 

Richard Truman 

29 Thomas Gill 

Henry Redwyne 

33 John Radford 

Walter Ganecoat 

Edward 

IV. (1461.) 

7 Thomas Stydolf 

Reginald Morton 

12 Geroace Horne 

George Longeville 

17 John Culme 

John Foke 


Edward VI. (1547.) 
1 . . . . 

6 . . . . 


Mary, ( 1553 .) 

1 Robert Carye Robert Worthe 

1 John Pollard George Ferrys 


223 


V GAR. 

Philip and Mary. 

1 and 2 Robert Apley William Salisbury 

2 and 3 Robert Apley George Stapleton 

4 and 5 Richard Skinner William Salisbury 


1 

5 

13 

14 

27 

28 
31 

35 

38 

39 
43 


Elizabeth, (1558.) 


Arthur Bassett 
Peter Wentworth 
Vincent Skinner 
John Periam 
Thomas Hinson 
John Hinson 
George Chipping 
Henry Downe 
Thomas Hinson 
Edward Hancocke 


Robert Apley 
Robert Apley 
Robert Apley 
Robert Prowse 
Lewis Darte 
John Dodderidge 
Richard Leigh 
John Del bridge 
George Perde 
Richard Martyn 


James I. (1603.) 

1 Thomas Hinson George Peard 

12 . ... 

18 John Delbridge Pentecost Dodderidge 

21 John Delbridge Pentecost Dodderidge 

Charles I. (1625.) 

1 Pentecost Dodderidge John Delbridge 

2 Alex. St. John, Knight John Delbridge 

3 Ditlo Ditto 

15 George Peard Thomas Mathews 

16 George Peard Richard Ferris 

Philip Skippon John Dodderidge 

Charles II. (1649) 

12 John Rolle Nicholas Dennis 

13 John Chichester, Bart. Nicholas Dennis 


224 


YEAR. 


81 Hugh Ackland, Knight. 

John Bassett 

81 Ditto 

Ditto 

32 John Bassett 

Richard Lee 

James 11. (1685.) 

1 Arthur Chichester, Bart. 

John Bassett 

William and 

Mary, ( 1689.) 

1 Arthur Chichester 

Richard Lee 

2 George Hutchings 

Arthur Champneys 

William III. 

7 Nicholas Hooper 

Arthur Champneys 

10 Ditto 

Ditto 

12 Ditto 

Ditto 

13 Ditto 

Ditto 


Anne, (1702.) 


1 Nicholas Hooper 

4 Nicholas Hooper 

7 Richard Ackland 

9 Nicholas Hooper, Knight 
12 Arthur Chichester, Bart. 

George 

2 John Rolle 

5 

8 

9 Thomas Wetham 

George 

1 Richard Coffin 
8 Sir John Chichester 


Arthur Champneys 
Samuel Rolle, jun. 

N. Hooper, Sergeant at Law 
Richard Ackland 
Nicholas Hooper, Knight 

I. (1714.) 

Sir Arthur Chichester, Barf. 
John Bassett 

on the death of Sir A. Chichester. 
Sir Hugh Acland, Bart, 
on the demise of Mr. Bassettt 

Sir Hugh Ackland, Bart 

II. (1727.) 

Theophilus Fortescue 
Theophilus Fortescue 


225 


YEAR 

14 John Bassett 

on the death of Sir John Chichester. 

15 Henry Rolle John Harris 

22 Thomas Benson 

on Mr. Rolle’s being created a Peer. 

23 Sir Bourchier Wrey, Bart. 

29 John Harris George Amvand 

O y 


George 

1 Dennis Rolle 

1 

8 John Clevland 
14 John Clevland 
20 John Clevland 
24 John Clevland 
30 John Clevland 
36 John Clevland 
42 William Devaynes 
44 


46 Viscount Ebrington 

47 G. Woodford Thellusson 
52 William Busk 

on the decease of Mr. Thellusson 

52 Sir M. M. Lopes, Bart. 
58 Sir M. M. Lopes, Bart. 


III. (1760.) 

George Amyand 
John Clevland 
on the demise of Mr. Amyand. 
Dennis Rolle 
William Devaynes 
Francis Bassett 
William Devaynes 
William Devaynes 
Richard Wilson 
Sir Edward Pellew 
Viscount Ebrington 
in the room of Sir Edward Pellew, 
who resigned. 

William Taylor 
William Taylor 

Sir Eyre Coote, Knight 
Francis Ommaney 


George IV. (1820.) 

1 Sir F. Ommaney, Knight Michael Nolan 
5 Frederic Hodgson 

in room of Mr. Nolan. 
7 Frederic Hodgson Henry Alexander 


226 


It is well known that in ancient times the bestow- 
ment of names was commonly the result of adventitious 
circumstances; amongst many others, the birthplace 
or residence, trade or profession, prowess or mental 
superiority of an individual. Thus, substituting de for 
le which is doubtless the proper reading, we have 
‘ Walter of Barnstaple* for one of the first two mem¬ 
bers recorded as having represented this Borough in 
Parliament. For the second of these we have 4 Durant 
the Cordwainer,* (or shoemaker,) so that the sons of 
St. Crispin may boast that, at least, one of their 
fraternity has occupied a seat in the senate. The name 
of Bastable, a very probable corruption of Barnstaple, 
still exists here. 

I have met with three instances of Members being 
remunerated for their attendance in Parliament. 

26. Eliz. “ Paid Mr. Robert Prouse towards his 
44 charge, being Burgess of the Parliament this year 
“ X. XII. VI.** 

8. Jas. Paid Mr. George Peard, one of the 
‘ f Burgesses at the Parliament for this town towards 
44 his expences this year, J30.** 

12. Jas. “Paid Mr. John Del bridge towards being 
44 one of the Burgesses in Parliament, <£5.** 

The earliest Petition recorded to have been pre¬ 
sented to the House of Commons against the return of 
a member is dated the 15th of Charles the first. The 
decision of the House was, 44 Resolved that Mr. Perd 
v [Peard] is duly elected, and that the election of ? r. 
44 Ferris is void.** The ensuing Parliament and 
following year we find both the above named indi- 


227 


viduals elected, and Thomas Matthews, (Mr. Peard’s 
late colleague,) petitioning against the return of Rich¬ 
ard Ferris, but without success. This curious petition 
and the answer to it are both given at length in the 
Appendix [b] ; they serve to shew in what an arbitrary 
manner elections were conducted here in former days. 

The charges brought against the Mayor, (who as 
returning officer ought to have been strictly impartial,) 
that he, by his own acknowledgment, “ not being 
pleased that the petitioners should stand to be elected,” 
had in consequence “ invented a new form of election,” 
was not attempted to be disproved ; the only reason 
assigned by his worship for having so cavalierly treated 
the ex-member, was, his “ not conceiving him so Jit ” 
as the persons nominated by himself, they being “ all 
of the twenty four ” * 

That there was no precedent for so strange a mode 
of electing Members of Parliament, is sufficiently obvi¬ 
ous, from the sorry attempt to give a colour to the pro¬ 
ceeding by quoting the bye law for the election of the 
Mayor and other corporate officers. 

This is not, however, the first, or the only instance 
on record, of Magistrates having assumed the office of 
Dictators at an election. On three previous and suc¬ 
cessive occasions,although things were not carried with 

* At this period, it was very common for one or both of the 
members to be of the Corporation. This was the case in seventeen 
out of twenty successive Parliaments, beginning with the second of 
Queen Mary, and in nine out of the seventeen instances, both were 
of the Common Council. 

2 G 


228 


quite so high a hand as in the case of Matthews, much 
undue influence appears to have been used. 

41 1592, 12th Feb.—Mr. George Chippinge, a gen- 
“ tleman of my Lord of Bath, and Richard Leye, were 
44 appointed by common counsell to be burgesses for 
44 this Parham*- and so returned by indenture to the 
44 sherif.” It would appear from this account, that 
the Corporation actually returned these members ; they 
certainly chose them. 

44 1597.—Thomas Hynson and Bartholomew Harris 
44 chosen burgesses in Parham*-; afterwards there was 
44 some misty king by the Earl of Bath of the choice of 
44 B. Harrystojoin with Mr. Hynson for one of the 
44 burgesses of Parliament, a new election was made 
44 by the consent of the whole burgesses, and George 
44 Peard, of this town, was made a free burgess of the 
44 town, and then elected and returned with Mr. Hyn- 
44 son.” The Earl of Bath was at this time recorder 
of the borough, having been appointed to the office 
in 1596. The burgesses, and especially Mr. Harris> 
seem to have been quite passive in his Lordship’s 
hands. A seat in the House of Commons was not in 
those days, quite so valuable as at present. 

44 1601.—Edward Hancock, Esq. and Richard 
44 Martyn, born in Exeter, and of the Inner Temple in 
44 London, are burgesses of the new Parliament for 
44 this town of Barnstaple ; the first appoynted by the 
44 Earl of Bath, and the other by Mr. Robert Chiches- 
44 ter, of Youlston, who had at this time had the 
44 nomination of them both.” 


‘229 


The next petition is of Richard Lee, Esq., October 
25, 16S0. 

“ Resolved that Richard Lee, Esq. is duly elected.” 

May 24, 1685.—“ John Rolls, Esq. presented a 
“ petition touching the election of [for] this borough.” 
On this, says Oldfield, there was “ no determination.” 
Mr. Rolle, as his name should have been written, 
probably withdrew his petition ; he had previously 
represented the borough. 

In 1790, Richard Wilson, Esq. petitioned against 
John Clevland, Esq.; March 14, 1791. The Chair¬ 
man reported the sitting member to be “ duly elected, 
and the petition frivolous and vexatious.” It is a re¬ 
markable fact, that of seventy-six votes polled by Mr. 
Wilson, one only was what is termed a split vote. 

The ensuing Parliament we find Mr, Wilson and 
Mr. Clevland sitting as colleagues, but in the next 
following, Mr. Wilson again appears as a petitioner, 
but without success. 

1802, “ Richard Wilson, Esq. petitioned ; but the 
<f committee found Sir Edward Pellevv duly elected, 
“ February, 1S03.” 

The poll at this election stood thus:—William De- 
vaynes, Esq. 269; Sir Edward Pellew, 190; Richard 
Wilson, Esq. 84; John Clevland, Esq- 72. The last 
named gentleman had sat in the seven preceding Par¬ 
liaments. “ What a falling off was there!” 

The next and only subsequent petition presented to 
the House of Commons against the return of a member 
for this borough, arose out of the election of 1818, 
and was preferred by Sir Henry Clements Thompson, 


230 


Knight, against Sir Masseli Manasseh Lopes, Bart, 
on the ground that he had obtained his seat through 
the influence of bribery, practised on certain of the 
electors. 

The proceedings that ensued, form too important an 
sera in the representative history of the town, to justify 
my passing them by, and yet so diffuse are the details, 
that an outline only can be given in a work of this 
extent. 

The attempt of Sir Henry Thompson to remove Sir 
Masseh Lopes* from his seat proved abortive ; but the 
result of the inquiry instituted by the committee ap¬ 
pointed by the House to consider the petition, was the 
bringing in of “ A Bill for the preventing of Bribery 
“ and Corruption in the Election of Members to serve 
<f in Parliament for the Borough of Barnstaple , in 
“ the County of Devon” 

This Bill passed the Commons, but was thrown out 
by the Lords on the second reading,*)* after an exami- 

* It is well known that this gentleman was, a few years ago, sen¬ 
tenced to pay to the King a fine of several thousand pounds, and to 
he imprisoned (although upwards of seventy years of age) for two 
years, in Exeter gaol, for corrupt practices at Grampound ; in plain 
terms, for having purchased a seat for that borough. In 1829, we find 
Sir Masseli vacating his seat as member forWestbury, (a close borough 
of his own,) which is immediately filled by the Secretary of State. 
Query— Did the worthy Baronet retire from motives of grati¬ 
tude to the Government, for the favour of being fined and impri¬ 
soned ! I trow not. He did not sell his right surely ! if he had done 
so, Ministers must have bought it ; and then we should have asked, 
where is the difference between buying a seat for Westbury of a 

Baronet, and purchasing one for Grampound of the electors 1 

t It has been stated, and it is believed by many persons, that 


231 


nation by their Lordships of twenty*nine witnesses, 
principally from Barnstaple.* 

The object of this intended enactment, was to extend 
the right of voting “ at every election of a Burgess or 
t€ Burgesses to serve in Parliament for thesaid Borough 
“ of Barnstaple ” to the freeholders of the hundreds 
of Braunton, Shirwell, Fremington, and Southmolton ; 
which would take in the towns of Torrington, South¬ 
molton, and Ilfracombe. It also went to restrict the 
privilege to such freemen of Barnstaple, 44 whose right 
%< to be so admitted freemen shall have accrued to 
44 them by birth or servitude, and who shall be resident 
“ within the same ” borough. 

The following extracts from a pamphlet, entitled, 

the fate of this Bill was decided by the casting vote of the Lord 
Chancellor ; but this is an error, as will be presently seen. On the 
‘25th of June, it was proposed to put a question to a witness then 
under examination, which the Lord Chancellor declared to be 
irregular and illegala division took place, and the numbers 
being “ for putting the question, 5—against it, 5the Lord Chan¬ 
cellor gave his casting vote against the question, which could not 
then, of course, be put. The second reading of the Bill did not 
come on till July 7, when, “ the order of the day being read, for the 
“ further consideration and second reading of the Bill, intituled, An 
Act, &c.” 

4 ‘ Ordered, that the said order be discharged. 

“ Ordered, that the said Bill be further proceeded in, on this day 
“ sevennight . w —See Printed Extracts from Lords' Journals. 

* The expense of the inquiry in the House of Lords, amounted 
to 1418/. 135. 3d., namely, allowance to twenty-nine witnesses for 
" subsistence, loss of time, and coach-! ire,” 752/.; amount of 
** solicitor’s hill, including the fees of the officers of this House/’ 
666/. 135. 3d .— Ibid. 


o 


232 

ff Remarks upon a Bill for altering the right of voting 
“ in the Borough of Barnstaple,” by the late Michael 
Nolan, Esq. k.c., will shew the grounds on which this 
proceeding was founded, as well as the learned gentle¬ 
man’s opinion on the case :— 

“ It may be admitted, that many of the Electors 
u seem to have conducted themselves with impropriety. 
“ But a little calm consideration may shew, that no 
“ ingenuity can deduce from the evidence, such 
<r enormity of misconduct, as can alone excuse the, 
“ disfranchisement even of those individuals to whom 
“ the imputed practices are legally brought home by 
<f the Report. 

The Electors to whom that evidence applies, may 
“ be divided into three classes : 

“ 1st. Four, or at most five, who confess thern- 
“ selves to have voted in consequence of a previous 
“ stipulation that they should receive money* for their 
votes.—If those persons are to be helieved, they 
<f have been guilty of bribery ; but it cannot be 
“ seriously contended, that the existing laws are insuf- 
ficient to meet their offence, or that the franchises 
“ of any other voter should be endangered through 
‘ f their misconduct. 

“ The 2nd class consists of thirty-four or thirty-five 
“ Electors, resident in Barnstaple or its neighbour- 
u hood v who received £5 on the Monday morning 
“ after the Election.—It must not be forgotten, that 

* Three of these were prosecuted to conviction for the offence, 
but no judgment lias ever been passed upon them, and they stilt 
continue to exercise the right of voting. 


233 


M the only witness who deposed to this fact, has at the 
ff same time expressly sworn, “ That he neither di- 
“ rectly nor indirectly, previous to the Election, gave 
“ hopes or expectations to any voters in the borough 
“ of Barnstaple, that any money would be paid to 
“ them at any time subsequent to the Election.” 

• t€ When all previous corrupt stipulation, consider- 
“ ation, or engagement is thus expressly negatived, it 
“ must puzzle the most acute lawyer to determine 
“ in what the offence consists, or how the receipt of 
“ money, under such circumstances, is legally punish- 
“ able.—When does the bribery or corrupt practice 
44 commence ? When and how is it completed ? What 
“ is the essence of the offence ? It does not appear by 
“ the evidence that the Elector even expected money 
“ as a consequence of his vote. But, if he had, without 
“ having contracted for it, how can mere expectation 
“ be punishable as a civil crime. 

“ 3d. The third and remaining class, whose alleged- 
“ misconduct is supposed to justify the Bill, consists 
Cf of Freemen, who, residing at a distance from the 
“ borough, received a certain sum from the Candidate 
ie or his Agents. The most prominent of those cases 
“ is that of some Electors residing in London, who 
“ received £20 when they voted for one Candidate; 
“ and if a vote was given to two Candidates, each of 
44 them paid £10. 

“ The avowed object of such advances appear to have 
“ been— 

“ 1st. To convey the Voter to the place of Election, 
44 and back again. 


234 


“ 2d. To maintain him during the time of his 
“ absence. 

44 3d. To compensate for that time which he would 
“ otherwise have employed in the course of his trade, 
44 or other daily avocation. 

44 It cannot be contended, that the expenses of con- 
“ veying the Voters to and from the place of Election 
44 may not be fairly and honestly defrayed by the Can- 
44 didate, or his friends. The universality of the 
44 practice justifies its necessity. Indeed, it would be 
44 easy to demonstrate, that a departure from this esta- 
44 blished course, would ultimately narrow the popular 
44 privilege, and place the representation of the country 
44 at the feet of the opulent and the artful. 

“ 2d. Payment of a Voter’s expenses at the place of 
44 Election, may and possibly does come within the 
“ Treating Act; but it is not bribery. If this were 
44 otherwise, the acceptance of a glass of ale or a night’s 
44 lodging, would equally disqualify both Candidate 
“ and Voter, w hen given before, as well as when given 
44 after the writ issues. But it has not hitherto been 
44 decided, (and surely it never will,) that it is criminal 
44 in a Voter to receive, at any time, these hospitable 
44 indications of regard, which are only made culpable 
44 in the Candidate to supply, after the time of the 
44 election is declared. 

41 3d. To give a fair and honest equivalent to a 
44 voter, in recompence of loss actually sustained by 
44 absence from those callings, upon which he and his 
44 family depend for daily bread, cannot, when taken 
44 abstractedly, he considered as illegal or immoral. 


235 


“ It may be or may not be a wise measure, to pro- 
“ hi bit the practice as a matter of municipal regulation. 
“ But the act is not in its own nature criminal, because 
“ no undue influence is obtained over the voter’s mind, 
“ by the receipt of the same sum for- a journey to 
rf Barnstaple, which he would otherwise earn during* 
“ the time by his accustomed employment in London. 

r< The distance of Barnstaple from London is 195 
** measured, and about 217 computed miles. The 
f< Electors must assemble at the place of Poll on the 
rc day apointed for the Election, or their coming will 
" be useless. The accustomed modes of conveyance 
“ by stage, or otherwise, are adapted only to the regu- 
“ lar intercourse between the borough and the metro- 
“ polis, and can accommodate but a small number of 
“ those who are crowding to the Election. 

“ Calculating the distance and time usually occupied 
“ by a contest, voters must be absent during eight or 
'* ten days, at least ; and unless the means of an imme- 
“ diate return to their several places of residence are 
“ insured, expenses must inevitably increase. Can it 
“ be said, that £20 is an extravagant allowance under 
“ such circumstances. Let the calculator banish every 
“ generous and liberal feeling from his mind, yet still 
“ can he say that these expenses could be defrayed for 
“ much less by contract ? 

“ The corporation is composed of many gentlemen 
“ of integrity and fortune. No one has dared to insi- 
“ nuate any thing against their honor or their conduct, 
tf either at this or at any other Election. The great 

2 H 


236 


“ body of freemen stand equally unimpeached, unless 
“ vague and unwarranted suspicion is to be assumed 
“ as proof. Can it be said, that the corruption was 
“ general, when the great mass of Electors are inno- 
“ cent ? Are five hundred honest men to suffer because 
“ one hundred of their body stand suspected as 

criminals?”—p.7-14. 

That bribery exists and is deeply rooted in the 
borough-system, it would be folly to deny ; and how 
should it be otherwise ? if a body be the subject of an 
organic disease, can the limbs be in a healthy state? 
Who can say that the representation of this great coun¬ 
try is what it ought to be, or, if the mighty change 
which is wanting in it, were effected, how great 
England might not become ? But how is this change 
to be wrought ? by a reformation ; where must this 
reform begin—at the extremities ? no: in the seat of 
the disease, at the heart of the system. 

Let Members have nothing to expect—nothing to 
hope for—no interest of their own to seek, in going 
into Parliament; and we shall soon find that none 
will go thither, but such as have resolved (C to do their 
best for the good of the common weal.” Then shall 
be raised an altar sacred to freedom and the purity of 
election, on which this species, at least, of bribery and 
corruption will expire. 

Let it not he thought that by making these observa¬ 
tions, I wish in the least degree to advocate the barter 
of the elective franchise, even in the present state of 
things; far be it from me: this I leave to those who 


237 


can do it feelingly; they, and the)’ only, who can de¬ 
mean themselves by such an act, are fit persons to 
defend it. 

But whilst 1 condemn such a disgraceful practice in 
all, l confess l cannot so severely censure the man who 
labours for his daily bread, and whose education, if 
haply he has had any, has been too limited to warrant 
a supposition that he is really aware of the moral degra¬ 
dation to which he submits by taking money for his 
vote; as I do him who, both by the possession of pro¬ 
perty and mental attainments, ought to be above such 
a temptation. I find no palliative, not the semblance 
of an excuse, for some of those individuals whose 
names 1 see recorded in the Lords’ Report, as having 
received five pounds each, after the election. 

This affair proved a most disastrous one to Sir 
Henry Thomson, who was a mere adventurer, seeking 
advancement in his profession ; had he been returned 
to Parliament, he was not possessed of property suffi¬ 
cient to qualify him for taking his seat. The expenses 
he incurred in prosecuting the petition against Sir 
Masseh Lopes, completely ruined him ; and soon after 
that enquiry ended, he became an inmate of the King’s 
Bench Prison, where he is supposed to have died. 
Some persons who were induced to advance him 
money for defraying his expenses while here, became 
minus several hundred pounds. 

The election of 1S24, which was occasioned by the 
resignation of Mr. Nolan, on his being appointed a 
Welsh Judge, was remarkable as having been the first 
(and only one) ever known, in which the poll was kept 


238 


open more than one day. It commenced on Saturday 
morning, at an early hour, but owing to the party 
spirit that was manifested, so much delay took place in 
bringing forward the votes, that it was found imprac¬ 
ticable to go through with the business on that day, 
and the poll was in consequence adjourned to the 
Monday following. 

The warmth of feeling that prevailed on this occa¬ 
sion, arose out of a circumstance quite as novel, and 
still more singular than the above ; namely, the entire 
absence of Mr. Hodgson, the successful candidate, 
during the whole proceedings. 

This gentleman, who had expressed an intention of 
offering himself for Barnstaple when a vacancy should 
occur, was at Brussels at the time Mr. Nolan vacated 
his seat; Mr. Hodgson’s friends here, in conjunction 
with his solicitor and others from London, proposed 
him, and succeeded in placing him at the head of the 
poll. No communication was received from Mr. 
Hodgson until after his election had been secured. 
That Mr. Nolan ought, in common fairness, to have 
been replaced in his seat, and that at as little expense 
as possible, must be acknow ledged ; he felt the disap¬ 
pointment greatly, because he expected no opposition 
to be made to his return. Mr. Nolan did not, however, 
complain of any ungentlemanly treatment from Mr. 
Hodgson’s friends, who would not have come forward 
until a general election, had not opposition been offered 
from any other quarter; when this was found to be the 
case, the field was, of course, open to all. The num¬ 
bers at this ele ction stand on the poll book as follow:— 


239 


Frederick Hodgson, Esq. 
Michael Nolan, Esq. 
Alderman Atkins 
The Mayor 


181 

153 

115 

1 * 


450 

Many of my readers must be acquainted with Old¬ 
field’s “ Representative History of Great Britain and 
Ireland were I to omit noticing what is said in that 
w ork of the conduct pursued by the electors of Barn¬ 
staple, it would probably be construed into an ad¬ 
mission of the correctness of the author’s assertions. 

Such a publication should contain no statement but 
what is founded in truth, nor be made a vehicle for 
unmerited censure. Had these rules been observed in 
the present instance, no consideration whatever would 
have induced me to attempt doing away any impression, 
however unfavourable, that might have been made ; 
but knowing the contrary to be the fact, it w ? ould be 
remiss in me to pass it by. I say, therefore, 

First,—It is not true that ff if any one borough in 
€€ the country is more corrupt than another, it is this.” 
That it has been “ corrupt,” 1 seek not to controvert, 
the fact is admitted ; but let the result of the strict 
scrutiny which the alledged misconduct of the electors 
underwent in 1819, be compared with that of other 
boroughs, w here similar inquiries have been instituted, j* 


* On the usual question, “ Who do you vote for?” being put to a 
freeman, named William Marshall, he replied, " The Mayor/’ 
t One instance (amongst many others) may be given, that of 
Hindoo, in Wilts, where, out of 210 persons who polled, 190 were 
proved to have been bribed. 



240 


and the illiberality of the assertion above quoted will 
be at once seen. 

Secondly,—It is not true that “ the expenses of a 
“ candidate at a contested election here are from ten to 
“ thirteen thousand pounds;” no such sum as the first 
mentioned amount was ever expended by, or on behalf 
of any candidate. Elections, from the great number 
of outvotes, are necessarily expensive ; but Mr. Old¬ 
field’s information is very incorrect, on that as well as 
other heads. The expenses of Sir Masseh Lopes’s 
election in ISIS, were shewn to have been under 
j£3,050, although he was the member petitioned against 
on the ground of bribery.* 

Thirdly,—It is not true that “ those of them” (the 
freemen) Cf who reside in London, are continually upon 
“ the hunt for candidates, under pretence that one of 
“ their members is ill, or about to accept a place, or 
“ to be created a peer, so that a vacancy is to be ex- 
“ pected.” That it has been the practice of an indi¬ 
vidual residing in London, when a vacancy occurs, or 
is likely to happen, to recommend a new candidate to 
a select portion of his brethren, and to use his infiuence 
with those persons in favour of the aspirant to the 
honour of receiving their suffrages, is notorious ; nor 
is it doubted, but that the persuasive eloquence em¬ 
ployed on these occasions, was backed by arguments of 
sterling weight. This agent, or middle man, does 
not, however, confine his practice in this way to Barn¬ 
staple, where, indeed, he has not officiated of late, but 


* See Extracts from Lords* Journals. 


241 


it is equally true, that he renders the same services in 
other boroughs. It is well known, that there are seat 
“ seekers,” as well as candidate “ hunters; ” it is 
quite clear that the latter class could not exist but for 
the former, but where the two meet and coalesce, can 
we wonder that they succeed in corrupting men in 
humble circumstances, by holding out to them incen¬ 
tives, such as would induce hundreds to sport with the 
criminal law of the land, to do that which they con¬ 
ceive to be no harm, and can be none, if kept to 
themselves ? 

Fourthly,—It is not true , that “ a great number of 
“ freemen of this place, have received six guineas each, 
Cf to bear their charges from London to Barnstaple at 
“ an election, and that at the poll, every one of them 
“ have voted against him, to get their expenses paid 
“ over again by another candidate.” Instances of 
robbery in this way, (for it is nothing less than rob¬ 
bery,) have occurred certainly, but not the extent 
stated ; one such case, and one only, has come under 
my own knowledge. Whilst every elector of character 
and principle, must deplore the lamentable disregard 
of both, in persons who can thus disgrace themselves, 
it is a satisfaction to know, that amongst the freemen 
resident in London, there are many persons of the 
highest respectability and honour. 

I have thus noticed the four principal charges brought 
against the electors of Barnstaple by the author .of the 
work referred to; others might be mentioned, but it 
may be sufficient to say of them, that they are correct 
in some points, and incorrect in others. The whole is 


242 


evidently stated upon hear-say evidence, collected, most 
probably, from prejudiced persons. I have candidly 
admitted there are grounds for reprehending the con¬ 
duct of some of my fellow burgesses, but the fact, that 
part of an accusation is true, and that a few out of the 
many have transgressed, has ever been held to be no 
justification of indiscriminate censure. 

It is, l believe, not generally known, and the intelli¬ 
gence, to some , may not be of the most welcome kind, 
that certain transactions are not, because they are past, 
forgotten . I had once laid open before me a book, 
which, I was informed, contained a register of the name 
and characteristic of every freeman, in whom a cer¬ 
tain peculiar feature might at any time have developed 
itself. 

I will just advert, before I conclude this division of 
the work, to another thing mentioned by Mr. Oldfield 
in reference to elections here, namely, that candidates 
have “ suffered losses by impositions.” Such cases 
~ have occurred certainly, nor is it to be wondered at. 
Do not hunters go in search of prey ? 

The following story is not the greatest secret in the 
the world;—A number of accounts, amounting in the 
total to something between fifteen hundred and two 
thousand pounds , had to be paid. An undertaking 
having been given by a chosen number of persons, that 
the sum to be furnished them, should be applied in 
liquidation of these debts, it was promptly remitted 
through a London banker. The money soon found its 
way into the hands of one of the individuals, who— 
forgot! shall I say ? how it was to have been applied. 


243 


A circumstance of a singular nature, having some 
connexion with the representative history of the borough, 
occurred in the reign of George II.; it is already incor¬ 
porated with the annals of the country, and in one of 
two works in which I have found it recorded, it is thus 
narrated:— 

“ A new species of villainy was invented about this 
“ time (1752), viz. that of insuring ships for more than 
“ their real value, and afterwards burning or sinking 
V them, in order to defraud the insurers. For this 
“ crime, one Lancy, a ship-builder [ship-master], was 
“ executed ; and Benson, Member of Parliament for 
“ Barnstaple, who had been concerned with him, 
“ withdrew from the kingdom.” 

It will be observed, that Sir Bourchier Wrey suc¬ 
ceeded to Mr. Benson^s seat in the House of Commons, 
in 1748.* 

The scheme of destroying the vessel was so ill-con¬ 
trived, that it might almost have been imagined, that 
the persons concerned wished rather to court, than to 
escape detection, the bark having been actually scuttled 
in Barnstaple Bay, and consequently within sight of 
the shore in several directions. Mr. Benson, who was 
the owner of the vessel, and had freighted her with 
woollen goods of the town manufacture, was said to 
have been riding on the high grounds above the estu¬ 
ary at the time she went down. The unfortunate man, 
whose life became forfeited to the law, sailed as captain ; 

* A discrepance will be observed in the dates, which it is now 
difficult to explain, it cannot however, be material; that the 
account is substantially correct, there can be no doubt. 

2 i 


244 


he was, however, believed to have engaged in the trans¬ 
action, more at the instigation of others, than as a 
principal in the infamous fraud attempted to be prac¬ 
tised on the insurers. The chief evidence against this 
deluded feion, was the father of one of our present cor¬ 
porate body, who happened to be on board the vessel. 
Mr. Benson had been engaged in smuggling trans¬ 
actions, and was the proprietor of an armed ship, called 
tc the Benson Galley,” which rendezvoused at Appledore. 


NUMBER, QUALIFICATIONS, ETC. OF FREEMEN. 


Domesday Book informs us, that there were in Barn¬ 
staple at the time of the conquest, sixty-three burgesses ; 
forty within, and nine without the borough, belonging 
to the King ; ten pertaining to the Bishop of Con¬ 
stance, and seven to Baldwin the Sheriff.* 


1 find no data by which to form an estimate of their 
number from this period until 1639, when, at a contested 
election, one hundred aud fifty-six voted.f By a poll 


lich 1 have inspected, there 

appears 

to have voted in 

1713, 

. 

315 


1818, 

voted 

446 

1802, 

voted 

360 


1824, 

55 

450 

1S06, 

5 1 

375 


1S26, 

55 

500 + 

1812, 

>1 

389 






* See Domesday Extracts , pnge 54*56. 

t Whenever the number of persons voting at an election is quoted, 
it must be understood that there was a contest ; otherwise no criterion 
can be formed, from the number of burgesses polled, of the amount 
of the whole. 

J Great as is the number here stated compared with that precc* 




245 


This statement furnishes (in round numbers) the 
following ratio of increase in the number of burgesses:— 
1088 to 1639, 93, or 20 in, 118 years. 

1639 to 1713, 159, or 20 in 43 „ 

1713 to 1802, 89, or 20 in 10 „ 

1802 to 1812, 29, or 20 in 7 „ 

1S12 to 1826, 111, or 20 in „ 

There were made free from 

1754 to 1809, . . 702, or nearly 13 per annum ; 

1810 to May 1830,397, more than 19 per annum. 

Of the last number mentioned, 1 am unable to fur¬ 
nish any particulars; but of the 702 first named, the 
following analysis has been drawn from an authentic 
source: 

476 inherited their freedom by birthright, 

176 procured it by servitude, 

38 obtained it by purchase, and 

12 received it as a gift from the Corporation.* 

ding it, it would probably have been still greater, but for the circum¬ 
stance of its being known that the election of the present members 
was secure. Mr. Nolan, the third candidate, had resigned and left 
the town ; the poll was kept open by some staunch friends of his, 
but he was so far in the minority, that there was no necessity for 
persons who wished to avoid the bustle coming forward to give their 
votes. 

* I cannot discover that more than one of this number was thus 
complimented, in return for any service rendered to the Corporation 
oj Burgesses, That individual was my own father; who was pre¬ 
sented with his freedom in 1789, in consequence of his having given 
very important evidence for the plaintiffs on a trial at law—“Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Burgesses of Barnstaple, v. Lathy." A statement 
of the circumstances connected with the trial will be found in a 
subsequent part of this chapter. 


246 


Of the thirty-eight mentioned as having purchased 
their freedom, six paid <£10 10 0, five £20 0 0, and 
nine £21 0 0 each; what was received from the 
remaining eighteen is not stated, they are merely re¬ 
corded as having been admitted “ by fine/ 5 

I have not ascertained the number of burgesses on the 
roll, because from the great proportion of non-residents, 
which may be taken at two-thirds of the whole, it is 
impossible to say how many of those on the list may be 
living. No names are of course struck out, until it 
can be ascertained that they are actually dead, and it 
was found, in one instance, that out of fourteen per¬ 
sons, (all of the same Christian and sirname,) only four 
were alive. The sum total of freemen must in all 
cases be calculated at considerably more than the num¬ 
ber of voters, as from illness and various other causes, 
very many must find it impracticable to be at a distance 
of one, two, or three hundred miles from their homes, 
on a particular day. There are besides, several bur¬ 
gesses in the sea service, and not a few residing abroad.* 
The number of absentees, from the best information 
I can obtain, generally averages at one-sixth. 

A considerable accession is usually made to the list 
of burgesses a day or two previous to an election; on 
one occasion, July 6th 1802, the unprecedented num¬ 
ber of fifty-five sons of freemen were admitted. 

The freedom of the borough is to be obtained in 

* “ They’were distributed,” says Mr. Oldfield, “ in the East and 
“ West Indies, Botany Bay , and all over the world.” One only, a 
native of London, was transported some years since, and is, I believe, 
still in N. S. Wales. If an acknowledgement of this fact will afford 
the liberal author any gratification, he is welcome to it. 


247 


four ways; by birthright, apprenticeship, purchase, 
or by gift from the corporation. The regulations for 
the admission of persons entitled to their freedom by 
birth or servitude, are fully stated in the Bye Laws of 
the corporation, [see App. c. No. 7.] 

That burgesshipis to be procured by purchase, must 
be taken with some limitation. Such was the practice 
in former times, [see next article, 1599, 1633, 1655.] 
But subsequently the policy of the corporation has been 
to make no freemen in this way, but such as are of their 
own selection. This mode of creating burgesses is in fact 
only resorted to for the purpose of supplying vacancies 
in the Common Council, which has been done of late, 
almost exclusively from among those who are not free, 
nor even natives of the town. The purchase money, 
or, as it is termed, fine, on such admissions, is twenty 
pounds, but this is usually remitted, so that the fine is 
in reality only nominal. 

We have seen that during fifty-five years, only twelve 
persons had their freedom bestowed upon them as agift; 
but latterly the favour has been still more sparingly 
dispensed, only one such instance having occurred 
for the last twenty years, that of Mr. Lee, the architect 
who designed the Town Hall and Market House. 

The right of the Common Council to make hono¬ 
rary freemen without the consent of the burgesses at 
large, has long been considered doubtful, and more than 
once publicly questioned-. That they do not claim it 
by charter as “ a branch of their prerogative,” may be 
inferred from the following evidence given by the Town 
Clerk, Henry Drake, Esq. before the House of Lords, 
touching the election of 1818. 


248 


“ Have the corporation a right to make honorary 
“ freemen?—They have. 

“ Does that depend'upon charter or usage ?—Upon 
“ usage. 

kt Has that always been the usage of the borough as 
“ you know ?—As long as I can recollect. 

<f How long have you been Town Clerk?—Thirteen 
“ years.” 

I am not aware of any one instance, where this power 
has been exercised, occurring in the various documents 
and records which have come under my inspection, 
nor can I discover any ground for believing that anti¬ 
quity, which alone can constitute usage a legal plea, 
can be urged in support of such a practice. It is in 
fact, exceedingly doubtful, whether or no, supposing 
the custom to have prevailed from the time when the 
borough was first placed under the government of a 
Mayor and Common Council, the plea of usage can be 
maintained. The first charter of such incorporation, 
notwithstanding theantiquity of the borough, it will be 
seen was only granted about two hundred and seventy 
years ago. If the number of burgesses thus admitted 
hitherto be but few', it is only because the corporation 
have not seen it their interest to admit more; circum¬ 
stances may arise in which they may find it convenient 
to do on a large scale, what they have hitherto only 
done on a small one. The power of admitting stran¬ 
gers to the elective franchise, and other privileges 
enjoyed by a body of six hundred men, is too great 
and too dangerous a one, to be vested in a perpetual, or 
self-elected committee, of twenty-five of its members. 


249 


The immunities enjoyed by freemen of this borough, 
in all of which honorary burgesses* fully participate, 
are so clearly defined in the various documents of which 
1 have given copies, that little more than a bare enu¬ 
meration of them is here necessary. 

1st. The first and most important is, that of electing 
members to represent the town in Parliament: a right 
purely prescriptive, and therefore not mentioned in any 
of the charters. 

2d. An exemption from fair and market tolls, quay 
and other dues, both in Barnstaple and throughout 
England. 

3d. Freedom from service on all juries without the 
borough .j* 

4th. The exclusive right of serving on juries (coro¬ 
ner’s inquests happily excepted) within the borough. 

5th. Not to be arrested under a town process of 
capias at the suit of a non-freeman, until after three 
court days; eight days’ notice to be given of the first 
court. (See Bye Law, No. 12.) 

Last and Least . A saving of two thirds of the usual 
fee paid to the town crier; burgesses pay two-pence, 
other persons six-pence. This privilege is, I believe, 
not often claimed to its full extent. 

* The term is here quite misapplied, since such persons cannot be 
said to enjoy “ honour without gain.” I have no better reason to 
give for using (or more properly wiwusing the appellation) than that 
all who are admitted to the freedom of the borough by gift or pur¬ 
chase, are distinguished as “ honorary burgesses.” 

t This exemption, in a town situate forty miles from where the 
assizes and county sessions are held, is a valuable one; it probably 


250 


Any freeman may, on paying ten shillings and six¬ 
pence, receive a certificate similar to the following: 
borough and parish of A TO all to whom these 
BARNSTAPLE, f presents shall come, or in 

IN THE COUNTY of devon. C any wise concern. Know 
(To Wit.) y ye, that Joseph Besly Grib- 

ble, of Barnstaple afore¬ 
said, Ironfounder, is one 
of the free burgesses of 
the borough and parish of 
Barnstaple aforesaid ; by 
virtue whereof, he, the said 
Joseph Besly Gribble, not 
only by prescription, but 
also by virtue of several 
charters granted to the burgesses of the borough and 
parish of Barnstaple aforesaid, by King Athelstan be¬ 
fore the conquest. King Henry the First after the 
conquest, King Henry the Second, King Richard the 
First, King John, King James the First, and many 
more Kings and Queens of the Kingdom of England, 
hath a right to, and is free of, all toll, passage, pontage, 
lastage, stallage, murage, pannage, piccage, anchorage, 
quayage, standage, andseagage, of all his goods, wares, 



belonged in former times to the burgesses only, but is now common 
to every inhabitant. It is recorded, that on “ December 7th, 1688, 
“ an Indenture was executed between the Sheriff of Devon and the 
“ Mayor of Barnstaple, shewing the Burgesses of Barnstaple to be 
44 exempt from juries, out of the borough and parish/’ This would 
seem to have been unnecessary, since the charters are so explicit 
on the subject. Query —Was not the exemption intended for the 
inhabitants ? 










251 


and merchandizes, as well in fairs as markets ; and of 
all secular services and customs by our laws, as well on 
this side the seas as beyond ; and that the burgesses of 
Barnstaple do enjoy all the customs of the city of Lon¬ 
don. This, at the request of the said Joseph Besly 
Gribble, we have thought fit to certify under the seal 
of our office of mayoralty, this seventeenth day of 
October, in the sixth year of the reign of our Sovereign 
Lord George the Fourth, by the grace of God, of the 
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, 
Defender of the Faith, and in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and twenty-five. 

Samuel Bremridge , Mayor. 

It is to be observed, that no exemption can be 
claimed from the payment of dues imposed under the 
authority of any modern Act of Parliament, unless 
where an exception has been made in favour of Barn¬ 
staple, as was done not long ago, (1828,) in an Act 
obtained for improving the quay at Bideford, and re¬ 
gulating the port dues; the thirty-third section of x this 
statute enacts as follows: 

ic And whereas the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses 
“ of the borough of Barnstaple, in the county of Devon, 
“ claim to be entitled, by several royal charters, to the 
tf right and privilege of exemption from the payment 
“ of any toll, rate, or duty whatsoever ; be it therefore 
enacted and declared, that this Act, or any matter or 
“ thing therein contained, shall not operate either to 
“ the prejudice or advantage of any such right or pri- 
“ lege in any manner howsoever.” 

Every burgess is required on his admission to take 
the following oath: 

2 K 


252 


44 I shall well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord 
44 (he King, and be buxom and obedient to Mr. Mayor 
“ of this borough and parish, and all other his Majes- 
44 ty’s Justices of the Peace and Officers in the same, 
" for the time being ; and to his and their successors, 
44 in all such things as he or they shall lawfully com- 
44 mand me to do, or that shall be fitting for me to do. 
44 I shall uphold, observe, perform, and keep, the com- 
44 position, ordinances, orders, and rules, of this bo- 
44 rough and parish, to the utmost of my power. 
f< I shall give, yield, pay, and be contributary, with the 
44 corporation and fellowship of this borough and 
“ parish, in all such matters and things as shall be fit 
44 or belongeth for me to do. I shall not by colour of 
rr my freedom, colour, bear out, or cover, any foreign 
“ person or persons, nor any of their goods, wares, 
“ or merchandizes, under me; but justly uphold and 
44 maintain the rights, liberties, privileges, and fran- 
“ chises, of this borough and parish, to the uttermost 
44 of my power. 44 So help me God.” 

Few, even of the inhabitants, are aware how widely 
the burgesses of this town are scattered throughout the' 
country. The following statement may amuse some of 
my readers, and cases may occur wherein the infor¬ 
mation it contains will prove useful. It is extracted 
from a poll officially taken at the last election, in 1826. 
Barnstaple - - I6S Devonport - - 15 

London* - - 124 Bristol 14 

* This includes those who reside in the numerous towns and ham¬ 
lets which surround the Metropolis, such as are usually known as 
“ London votes.” To have mentioned all the places would havo 
lengthened the list greatly. 


Appledore 

Bideford 

Pi It o n - 

Torringtpn 

Braunton 

Ilfracombe 

Plymouth 

Combmartin 

Tavistock 

Stonehouse 

Guernsey 

Swansea - 

Georyeham 

Southmolton 

Swimbridge 

Heahton Punchardon 

Merton - 

Bath 

Exeter - 

Teignmouth 
Tooting - 

Linton - 

Freminyton 
Tawstock 

Newport , !?/>$. Tawton 

St, Giles 9 

Shirwell - 

Berrynarbor 

Portsmouth 

Dublin Castle - 

Sligo - 

Jersey - 

Macclesfield 

Maidstone 

Cambridge 


12 Falmouth 
1 i Redruth - 
9 Weymouth 

8 Isle of Sheppey 

9 Barnet 

7 Newport (Monmouth) 
6 Port Isaac 
6 Lundy Island 
5 Stoke Damarel 
4 Guildford 
4 Deptford 
4 Banbury 
4 Cheltenham 
3 Worcester 
3 Devizes 
3 Lyme 
3 Taunton 
2 Honiton 
2 Glastonbury 
2 Thorn, Yorkshire 
2 Bridgwater 
2 Ashburton 
2 Weare, Somerset 
2 Grinton, Somerset 
2 Crediton - 
2 Cardiff - 
2 Exmouth 
2 Otterton 
2 Broadclist 
1 Holds worthy 
1 Chumleigh 
I Bradworthy 
1 Clove lly - 
1 Parkham 
1 Warkleigh 


254 


Monkleigh 

Highbickingion 

Roborough 

Chittlehampton 

Northmolton 

Winscot 

Abbotsham 

Northam - 


1 Charles 
1 Arlington 
1 Stoke Rivers 
1 Goodleigh 
1 Marwood 
1 

1 Total 

1 


1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

500 


The places printed in italics, which are principally 
villages in the neighbourhood of Barnstaple, are dis¬ 
tant from it nearly as follow: 

Ten from 1 to 5 miles 
Fourteen ,, 5 „ 10 „ 

Nine „ 10 „ 15 „ 

Four „ 15 „ 20 „ 

Thus, out of 500 freemen who polled at the last 
election, only 278, or little more than one-half, appear 
to have resided in Barnstaple, or within 20 miles of it. 
The average number of miles which the remaining 222 


voters had to travel, will be found on calculation to 
be about 160; now as it cannot be expected that per¬ 
sons should come such a distance to vote at their own 


cost, it cannot surely be wondered at, that elections 
here should be expensive to the candidates. That the 
payment of the travelling expenses of voters is legal, 
has been decided in the case, amongst others, of our 
own borough.* 


CHARTERS. 

The charters which have been granted to the bur¬ 
gesses of Barnstaple, by different Kings and Queens of 

* Barnstaple case, 1. Peckvr, 91.—Nolan. 


255 


England, are numerous. It has been shewn, that, at 
so early a period as in the reign of Edward the Third, 
the town claimed to have had a charter from Athelstan, 
the Saxon monarch ; but whether or no the claim was 
a rightful one, must ever remain doubtful. 

The first prince, who can be said with certainty, to 
have conferred immunities on Barnstaple, is Henry the 
First. No such charter is indeed now to be found in 
the Tower/ nor, as I have reason to believe, among 
the corporation records; there is, however, ample proof 
of the former existence of this document. 

1158. The charter of Henry the Second, which is 
given in the Appendix, [o] it will be seen, refers to, 
and confirms that of Henry the First; as do those also 
of several other Kings. What were the “ right cus¬ 
toms” confirmed, or the “ bad customs” removed, 
would now' prove an unprofitable enquiry; but to have 
been privileged, at this period, with “ the customs of 
“ London,” must beconsidered as no mean distinction. 
As the charter of Henry the First to the city of London, 
which contains and sets forth these “ customs ” is, in 
fact, equally descriptive of privileges bestowed on Barn¬ 
staple, by the same monarch: and being, besides 
somewhat curious, I have inserted it at length [e]. 

Richard the First, confirmed all former privileges, 
and granted some additional ones ; but bis having done 
so, is only evidenced by subsequent charters. 

1200. King John, in the second year of his reign, 

* J state this on the authority of the Keeper of H. M. Records, 
John Bayley, Esq. to whose kindness I stand indebted for mucfe 
osoffi) information. 


256 


ratified, and extended the benefits conferred on the 
borough by King Richard and his predecessors; see 
Appendix [f]. 

1236. Henry the Third, in the twenty-first year of 
his reign, gave a confirmatory charter.* [g] 

Edward the First and Edward the Second granted 
similar charters, which, as well as the grants before 
noticed, are all referred to in an inspeximus of Henry 

1444. the Sixth, which, independent of its reciting 
former ones, is more copious and explicit than any 
which preceded it. [h] 

1477. Edward the Fourth, in the seventeenth year 
of his reign, granted letters patent, in which he recites 
and confirms the last mentioned charter, but confers 
nothing additional. 

1516. Henry the Eighth, in the eighth year of his 
reign, and 

1547. Edward the Sixth, (supposed in the first year 
of his reign,) granted similar charters, namely, trans¬ 
scripts of those of their predecessors. 

Queen Mary bestowed two charters; one 

1554. An inspeximus, dated the second, the other 

1556. conferring new and important privileges, in 
the fourth year of her reign. 

This last, w hich is the first charter of incorporation, 
and in other respects an interesting document, is given 
entire in the appendix, [i] 

The following heads comprise the provisions it con- 

* Six years previous (1230), *' a subsidy of the 30th part of every 
a man's goods, withiu Barnstaple, was granted to the King.” 


257 


tains; to which, for the convenience of referring 1 at 
once to any particular clause, corresponding letters are 
affixed. 

a Preamble, recognizing the government of the town to 
have been vested in a mayor and bailiffs, ,f from time, 
“ whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary 
b Barnstaple a free borough corporate, of a mayor, 
aldermen, and burgesses; with perpetual succession, 
c Corporation to hold lands in perpetuity. 
d To sue, or be sued, at law. 
e To have a common seal. 

f Twenty-four of the more discreet and honest 
<r men,” to be capital burgesses; and two of the “ more 
“ honest of these ” to be chosen as aldermen; the 
whole, with the mayor, to form the common council. 
g Corporation to have power to make bye laws. 
h Appointment of the first mayor, aldermen, and 
common council, 

i Particular day, and limited hours, for electing the 
mayor. 

j Day on which the mayor is to be sworn into office. 
k Provision in the event of the death, or removal from 
office, of a mayor. 

I Nomination, and swearing in of aldermen. 
m If aldermen die, or are removed from office, others 
to be chosen. 

n Any capital burgesses dying, being removed from 
office, or dwelling out of the borough , others to be 
chosen within eight days next following. 
o Appointment of constables, and other inferior offi¬ 
cers ; their places also, in case of vacancies, to be filled 
up in eight days. 


258 


p A confirmation of all former immunities. 
q Grant of assize and assay, of bread, wine, and beer, 
r To have view of frank-pledge, twice a year. 
s A weekly market on Fridays; and an annual fair 
to continue four days. 

t Mayor and corporation to have the custody and 
government of the persons and property of all or¬ 
phans within the borough ; 44 the same as in the city 
“ of London.”* 

u 44 All manner of recognizances, and oblations of 
“ malefactors, and transgressors,” to be taken by 
mayor and corporation, to the use of the crown. 

Queen Elizabeth also granted two charters ; the first 
dated the second year of her reign (1559), recites that 
of the fourth of Mary just noticed, which, as well as all 
preceding ones, it confirms. The last bears date the 
thirty-eighth*year of her reign (1595), and provides for 
the appointment of a goal, serjeants-at-mace, steward, 
recorder, clerk of the market, a court of record, aider- 
men as coroners, & c. As this charter contains noth ins: 
material, further than will be found in that which comes 
next under review, more particular notice of it, is un¬ 
necessary . 

1610. James the First granted letters patent, in the 
eighth year of his reign. This charter is a very im¬ 
portant and interesting document, a transcript in full*)* 

* I am not aware that this benevolently-designed institution has 
ever been acted upon ; or, indeed, that it is generally known to exist. 

t It was my intention, since several heads of this charter have a 
great similarity to certain parts of the charter of Philip and Mary* 
*o omit printing them ; and I had prepared the matter for the press 
in that form. I cannot, however, (with all ray anxiety to compress 


259 


of a translation made at H. M. Record Office, ex¬ 
pressly for this work, will be found in die Appendix 
[j], to which the letters appended to the different 
clauses have reference. 

a The preamble ; describing Barnstaple as “ a very 
“ ancient and populous borough,” but with a juris¬ 
diction not extending to the parish, 
b The town to be “ henceforth for ever a free borough 
u and parish of itself;” and the mayor, aldermen, 
and burgesses, to be a body corporate, &c. “ by the 
“ name of the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses, of 
the borough and parish of Barnstaple.” 
c Corporation to have power to hold lands, &c. in 
perpetuity. 

d To sue or be sued at law, 
e To have a common seal. 

f Capital burgesses to be twenty-five in number, and 
to be called the common council. 
g Corporation to have power to frame bye-laws. 
h Appointment of first “ modern ” mayor, aldermen, 
and capital burgesses. 

i Capital burgesses dying, or being removed from 
office, others to be elected. 

j “ Mayor, aldermen, and capital burgesses” em¬ 
powered to “ call and hold meetings” of the mayor, 
aldermen, and capital burgesses, and to treat, confer, 
&c. of statutes, articles, &c. 

the work,) on re-consideration, see my way clear, in witholding any 
part of so important an instrument, more especially, as in yielding 
to a conviction of the propriety of publishing it entire, [ do not rely 
wholly en my own judgment. 

2 L 


260 


h Particular day and hours when to elect the mayor. 
/ On what day the new mayor is to enter on his office. 
m A mayor dying or being removed from office, 
another to be chosen. 

n Election and appointment to the office of aldermen, 
o Aldermen deceasing, or being removed from office, 
their places to be filled up. 

p Appointment of “ inferior officers and ministers/* 
with powers to remove them for reasonable causes. 
q Any person refusing to take upon himself the office 
of “ mayor, alderman, capital burgess, or other in¬ 
ferior minister/* to be liable to imprisonment and fine. 
r Two serjeants-at-mace to be appointed to attend on 
the mayor, &c. 

5 A chief steward to be elected. 
t A recorder to be chosen ; “an approved and dis- 
l( creet man, learned in the law—to act by himself, 
“ or by his sufficient deputy.** 
u Mayor, recorder, and aldermen, to be justices of 
the peace, &c. &c. 

v No other “justiciaries ** to interfere, but the juris¬ 
diction of the magistrates not to extend to any matter 
touching the loss of life or member. 
w “ One approved and discreet man ** to be elected, 
and be clerk of the market.* 

* The standard of weights and measures ** was anciently com¬ 
mitted to the custody of the Bishop, who appointed some clerk 
under him to inspect the abuse of them more narrowly; and hence 
" this officer, though now usually a layman, is called clerk of the 

** market.” 


261 


x The aldermen for the time being to be coroners 
within the borough and parish. 
y Mayor, aldermen, and burgesses, to elect a “ coni- 
<r mon clerk, (anglice, the tovvne clarke, of the 
“ boroughe and parishe of Barnestaple). ” 
z Mayor, aldermen, and burgesses, to “ have one 
“ prison or goal,” of which the mayor to be the 
“ keeper.” 

aa A court of record to be held every fortnight. 
bb Serjeants-at-mace to “ execute all pannels ofjuries, 
“ inquisitions, attachments,” See. 
cc “ Goods and chattels of felons,” and “ all other 
“ privileges, jurisdictions, fairs, markets,” &c. to be 
to the use of the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses. 
dd None but freemen of the borough to expose goods 
for sale, Sec. &c. 

ce Mayor, aldermen, and burgesses, to have, acquire, 
receive, and possess manors, &c. &c. &c. so that the 
same tc do not exceed in the whole the clear yearly 
“ value of sixty pounds beyond all charges and 
“ reprises.” 

ff Or to dispose of lands, &c. not exceeding the 
value above mentioned. 
gg A confirmation of all former privileges. 
hh Nothing contained in these letters patent to pre¬ 
judice the rights of Howard, Lord Howard, of Effing¬ 
ham, proprietor of the fee of Magdalen. 
it Mayor, aldermen, and burgesses, to use and 
enjoy all liberties, authorities, &c. without hind¬ 
rance or impediment. No writ of quo warranto , 
or other process, to issue concerning any matters or 


262 


“ claims due before the making of these presents.” 

1611. King James, in the ninth year of his reign, 
granted a second charter, which recites many of the 
clauses contained in the first, and confirms all former 
immunities.* The only new provision made in it, 
(as far as I am aware,) is the appointment of “ a house 
“ of correction for the chastisement of all harlots, 
44 bawds, ******, drunkards, scolds, and other inor- 
“ dinate livers.” 

In the extracts I have given from Jones’s “ Index to 
<e Records,” mention is made of a charter having been 
granted to Barnstaple by James the Second, [see 
page 70] ;j* this, of course, became a nullity on the 
abdication of that monarch. 

I have thus, with as much brevity as appeared to 
consist with theimportanceof the subject, gone through 

* Finding, on inquiry, that the cost of a copy and translation of 
this document would be twelve pounds : and, after examining the 
heads of it, seeing no reason to believe that it contained any thing 
new worth giving'to the public, 1 did not consider that I should be 
justified in expending such a sum, in addition to the heavy expenses 
already incurred, 

t In the extract preceding that above referred to, Barnstaple is 
mentioned as being in the county of Dorset, the copy is a literal one, 
the error therefore is not mine. 

At page 71, occurs the following, (also extracted from Jones’s 
Index,) “ vide originalia ” [see p. 69-70] “ for the charters of 
“ Queen Elizabeth and King James 1st; that of 9th James 1st, 
“ being an inspeximus, recites charters as faros King John.” This 
is also a correct copy, hut of a very incorrect statement. The 
charter of 2d of Elizabeth, (which Jones makes no mention of,) is 
fin inspeximus, reciting as far back as John, [see page 268] but 
that of 9th James is not. 


263 


the different letters patent, by virtue of which the bo¬ 
rough of Barnstaple, claims its numerous valuable pri¬ 
vileges.* We may reasonably conclude, that most of 

* I must, before I quit the subject of the charters, redeem a 
pledge which I gave in the preface, relative to the refusal of the 
corporation to grant me a copy of one of them. I owe it to my 
fellow freemen, all members of the " body corporate and politic,” 
designated and known *' by the name of the mayor, aldermen, and 
" burgesses, of the borough and parish of Barnstaple.”—1 owe it 
to my townsmen in general; and, in truth, to all, whether residents 
or non-residents, who may be in any way affected by the privileges 
or exemptions conferred on the Town of Barnstaple by royal 
charter, to state the circumstances connected with my application 
for the document in question. 

Having engaged in the prospectus of this work, that the 
privileges granted to Barnstaple by letters patent of King James, 
should form a part of it; I applied personally, at the summer ses¬ 
sions, 1828, to such of the body corporate as were then present, 
1 believe five in number, requesting to be furnished with a tran¬ 
script of the charter granted by that monarch. The result of this 
application will be seen in the following copy of a letter afterwards 
addressed to their worships, and delivered in the Guildhall, on the 
day of choosing the mayor. 

, "Gentlemen, "August 11th, 1828. 

** The purport of this letter is to request that I may be furnished 
" with a copy of the charter granted to the borough of Barnstaple, 
" bv King James the First. 

" It must he in the recollection of some of your worships, that 
" I made a similar application a few weeks since, in which I failed. 
" The decided negative by which my proposal was met, by a part 
" only of the few members of your body to whom it was addressed, 
" ought not in common-fairness to be taken as the act of the whole ; 
" it is on this ground alone, that 1 again submit it to the consider- 
" ation of your worships, and on this day in particular, as one ou 
" which it cannot fail to come under the notice of a large major'lly 
" of the body corporate. 


264 


these were (as the preambles of some signify) petitioned 
for ; and from the number obtained, it would appear, 

** To an observation made by one gentleman, on my former ap- 
“ plication, that the charter was 1 the private property of the cor * 
“ porationy 1 must, as a free burgess, be allowed to reply, that 
“ whilst the custody of the various charters which the borough of 
u Barnstaple has from time to time obtained, is, very properly, com- 
“ mittcd to the corporation ; if there be any * property’ at all in 
“ those documents, it is vested equally in the capital and com- 
u mon burgesses ; the powers and immunities of the one party, are 
“ not more clearly defined than are the rights and privileges of the 
*' other. 

“ I am, Gentlemen, most respectfully, 

“ Your Worships’ obedient Servant, 

“ J. B. Gribble. 

“ The Worshipful the Mayor and Corporation of Barnstaple.” 

On the delivery of the above to the mayor, the court was cleared, 
and a deliberation took place. The result was, a verbal communi¬ 
cation through the bearer of the letter, that my request could not be 
complied with. Why? This question admits but of one answer. 
The charter contained that, which they were desirous the public 
should be kept in ignorance of. But ought such an objection to have 
been allowed to operate 1 Certainly not. The public have an 
interest in the charter, (and in all the charters,) and the witholding 
it from them, savours much more of power than of right,* 

* It may possibly be said “ the corporation knew you could procure it from 
“ the Tower;” undoubtedly they did! but they knew also that I must pay 
for it, If their worships really expected that I should apply to the Tower 
for the charter, their refusal of it implied a wish to have me incur an unneces¬ 
sary expense of twenty pounds and upwards ; but I would willingly acquit 
them of such an intention, and have besides solid reasons for believing, that 
they calculated on my not procuring it at such a cost. An individual of the 
body, not remarkable for taciturnity, almost immediately after the meeting 
broke up, came to me, and was short-sighted enough to commence a conver¬ 
sation on the subject of my application for the charter, the drift of which 
might easily be perceived. He took care to inform me, that to have tb e 
charter from the Record Office, would cost rae the above mentioned sum. 


265 


that our forefathers were not hack ward in preferring 
their requests. 

A copy of one of these petitions, has survived the 
wreck of nearly three centuries. Between the granting 
of the inspeximus and the charter of incorporation, by 
Queen Mary, a year and half elapsed ; during this time, 
the mayor and u maisters of the Towne,” hit upon a 
singular, but as it proved, successful expedient, for ob- 

Every burgess is interested in the charter ; 

First, because it confers on him certain privileges, from which 
others are excluded; it is his title-deed to these immunities, and he 
has a right to know that he is in possession of all to which he is 
entitled; but. 

Secondly, he is liable also, by the same charter, to pains and 
penalties, for the non-performance of certain duties therein enjoined 
upon him ; and ought he not to be well-informed as to what are his 
obligations, what the consequences of his failing to fulfil them, and 
what the foundation on which both rest? 

There is, however, another class of interested persons, these are 
non-freemen. They find themselves admitted to fewer privileges than 
their brethren who are burgesses; and at the same time subjected 
to greater penalties, such too, as they cannot avoid incurring from 
time to time. And what more natural than that they should in¬ 
quire, or more reasonable than that they should know, why they are 
shut out from the one, and visited with the other! 

The refusal of the common Council therefore, to grant a copy of 
the charter for insertion in this work, was unjust—inasmuch as the 
public are entitled to possess it ; it was illiberal—because it was 
done with a knowledge that I could only procure it elsewhere at an 
enormous expense ; it was impolitic—since it furnished food for 
suspicion as to the motive for witholding it ; and lastly, it availed 
nothing—since the public are, notwithstanding, in possession of it, 
and the charter will not be the less read , because their worships 
would fain have prevented its being read at all. 


266 


taining the last mentioned document. They petitioned 
for an extension of privileges, urging as a plea, that 
“ the towne of Bar nest aple is now in greate ruyne 
“ and decaye, by reason of the floweing and re - 
“ floweing of the seaes cornyng unto the saide 
“ towne and that they have therefore been 
fi enjforced to erecte and make , at their own pro - 
“ per cost and charges , a new wharjf or key , con - 
“ teynynge in length , fyve hundredd yardes and 
“ more , whiche dothe ande will stand them at the 

/easfe fyve hundred marks ” (£333 6 8.) 

I shall find occasion to remark on the extent of the 
quay here stated to have been built, when the present 
quays come under our notice. 

* Dae allowance mast be made for the hyperbole employed here. 
We are not to suppose that the town was really in the 6tate men¬ 
tioned in the petition ; with respect to the greater part of it, we 
know this to have been impossible, (at least from the cause assigned,) 
nor i3 there any ground whatever for believing that it was the case 
in any degree. The only injury of any magnitude recorded to have 
been done by the tide, occurred more than fifty years after this, see 
“ River.” The following ludicrous description of the river, penned 
about the same time, will, I conceive, in the absence of all proof that 
Barnstaple was then in the condition stated, fully justify the con- 
elusion I have drawn. It occurs in a document referring to the 
bridge, which is signed, among others, by the mayor and town-clerk, 
both whose names appear in the list of capital burgesses in the 
charter which they petitioned for. “ A great, hugy, mighty, 
“ perylous, and dreadfull water, named Taw. The foresaid vio- 
“ lente, daungerous , and jepardous strcme, wherein sake water 
*' doth ebbe and flcwe /cure tymes in the day and nights 


267 


ORIGIN AND INTENT OF CORPORATIONS. 

The origin of these political institutions is of very 
remote antiquity, being ascribed by Plutarch to Numa 
Pompiiius, second King of Rome, who, in order to 
bring the two factions, into which the city was divided, 
into peaceable contact, classed the citizens in different 
communities; granting to each the power of making- 
laws for its internal government. 

The term corporation is thus defined by Cowel: 

a body politick, authorized by the King’s charter to 
“ have a common seal, one head officer or more, and 
“ members, able, by their common consent, to grant 
y or receive, in law, any thing within the compass of 
<f their charter: even as one man may do by law all 
“ things that by law he is not forbidden ; and bindeth 
ei his successors as a single man binds his executors 
6f or heirs. 

“ As all personal l ights die with the person, it has 
“ been found necessary, when it is for the advantage 
“ of the public to have any particular right kept on 
4f foot, and continued, to constitute artificial persons, 
“ who may maintain a perpetual succession, and enjoy 
“ a kind of legal immortality. These artificial persons 
u are called bodies politic, bodies corporate, or cor- 
“ porations: of which there is a great variety subsist- 
“ ing, for the advancement of religion, of learning, 
44 and of commerce.”— Blachstone's Com. vol. 1. 
p . 467. 


2 m 


268 


“ When a corporation is erected, a name must be 
“ given to it; and by that name alone it must sue and 
“ be sued, and do all legal acts. 

“ After a corporation is formed and named, it 
“ acquires many powers, rights, capacities, and inca- 
lf pacities. Some of these are necessarily and insepa- 
“ rably incident to every corporation. As, 1. To have 
“ perpetual succession. This is the very end of its 
“ incorporation : for there cannot be a succession for 
ever without an incorporation.—2. To sue or be 
“ sued, implead or be impleaded, grant or receive, by 
“ its corporate name, and do all the acts as natural 
“ persons may.—3. To purchase lands, and hold 
“ them, for the benefit of themselves and their suc- 
“ cessors ; which two are consequential to the former. 
“ —4. To have a common seal. For a Corporation, 
“ being an invisible body, cannot manifest its inten- 
i( tions by any personal act or oral discourse; it 
“ therefore acts and speaks only by its common seal. 
“ For, though the particular members may express 
“ their private consents to any act, by words, or sign- 
rf ing their names, yet this does not bind the corpo- 
“ ration ; it is the fixing the seal, and that only, 
“ which unites the several assents of the individuals 
“ who compose the community, and makes one joint 
“ assent of the whole.—5. To make by-laws or private 
“ statutes for the better government of the corporation ; 

which are binding upon themselves, unless contrary 
“ to the laws of the land, and then they are void.— 
pp 474 5. 


269 


Any particular member may be disfranchised, or 
lose his place in the corporation, by acting contrary 
to the laws of the society, or the laws of the land, or 
“ he may resign it by his own voluntary act.” 

‘ f A corporation may be dissolved, 1. By Act of 
“ Parliament, which is boundless in its operation — 
2. By the natural death of all its members, in case of 
“ an aggregate corporation.—3. By surrender of its 
ic franchises into the hands of the King*, which is a 
“ kind of suicide—4. By forfeiture of its charter, 
“ through negligence or abuse of its franchises; * in 
“ which case the law judges that the body politic has 
“ broken the condition upon which it. was incorpo- 
“ rated, and thereupon the incorporation is void. 
“ And the regular course is to bring an information in 
“ nature of a writ of quo warranto , to inquire by 
“ what warrant the members now exercise their cor- 
“ porate power, having forfeited it by such and such 
ie proceedings.”— pp. 484-5. 

Corporations are divided by the learned author just 
quoted, into aggregate and sole , ecclesiastical and 
lay; which last are subdivided into civil, (embracing, 
amongst others, that of “ a mayor and comonality , 
bailiff and burgesses, or the like,”) and eleemosynary . 

“ Corporate bodies,” remarks a modern author, 
when speaking of town corporations,j* “ have not in 
“ general proved themselves the most exact and faith- 

* Among other things, “ if they neglect to choose officers, or 
make false elections.”— Tomlin s Law Dictionary . 
t Toulnain. 


270 


46 ful trustees. The reasons of their first constitution, 
44 the grounds which recommended them to royal 

patronage, or to the aids of private generosity, have 
44 long since ceased. They arose into existence when 
44 the power of the Barons formed a great opposition 
4f to that of the crown, and almost overwhelmed the 
“ influence of the people. To encourage trade, and 
44 to be a check on the barons, were communities 
“ incorporated under royal charter, and, being incor- 
44 porated, were strengthened by liberal endowments, 
“ and the influence derived from charitable trusts, 
“ The advance of commerce, the opulence it has 
44 diffused over the country, and the power politically 
<f granted by Henry VII. to the barons to alienate 
44 their estates, [together with the more enlightened 
44 state of society,] have long since superseded the 
“ necessity of such an intermediate body between 
44 them and the crown. The evils arising from a 
4f body of men being separated from the community, 
44 united by an independent interest, or divided by 
“ mutual jealousies, the abuse of power connected 
44 with such constitutions, and the advantages which a 
44 corrupt minister may derive from their influence, 
44 have been, in many instances, too visible to escape 
44 the observations of the most careless.” 

Having made these preliminary remarks on Corpo¬ 
rations in general, I come now to treat of 

THE MUNICIPAL BODY OF BARNSTAPLE. 

The Burgesses of Barum were first created a body 
politic by charter of Queen Mary [see Appendix i.j in 


271 


1556; which also appoints a select number to be 
chosen from time to time out of the whole, who are to 
form a common council, or perpetual committee of 
management, for conducting the affairs of the commu¬ 
nity ; this association is called in common parlance, 
The Corporation. In this, its popular sense, the 
term is of course used throughout this work ; but 
every burgess knows, or ought to know, that, although 
excluded from any share in the direction of the con¬ 
cerns of the corporation, he is, notwithstanding, as 
really a member of the body, as any one of the com¬ 
mon council. 

I am in possession of some voluminous extracts 
from the Town Records, referring, not only to the 
affairs of the body corporate, from the period of its 
formation, but to the accounts of the receivers, bailiffs, 
and mayors, for more than two centuries previous.* 
The whole is by far too diffuse to be inserted at length, 
and contains besides, with slight variations, numberless 
repetitions; a selection is therefore given with the 
addition of other matter obtained from different 
sources, partly, as some of my readers will perceive, 
from Philip WyoPs Register. Such incidents, how¬ 
ever, only are transcribed, as have reference to, or are 
taken from the accounts of, either the corporation or 
their predecessors, the mayor and bailiffs of the 
borough. 

* The transcripts, which bear evident marks of authenticity, l 
should judge to have been copied from corporation documents, from 
fifty to seventy years ago ; by whom, I have not the least idea. 


272 


I 


Edward II. 

1320. An Indenture made at Coventry between 
the Bishop of Exeter, “ Lord of the Manor of Tawton 
Bishop,” and the “ Maior and Cornonaltie of Barnsta- 
fk pie, for building a Mill upon a River dividing the 
€i Bishop’s Land and the Land of the Town of Barn- 
“ staple, upon their equal charges.” 

The same or following year, A grant was made 
“ by the Bishop of Exon to Maior and Cornonaltie 
“ to erect Mills on the Water of Portmore.” 

The village of “ Bishop’s Tawton,” (distant from Barum two 
miles,) has a substantial claim to the appellation bestowed on it, 
having been the first Bishop’s see in Devonshire. Wtrsanns, who 
was consecrated anno 905, “ had his see at Tawton, where having 
sat one year, he died, and was buried in his own Church there.” 
Putta, second Bishop of Devon, also resided here, but being slain 
on bis way to Creditou, the episcopal chair was removed to the 
latter place. The “ River ” alluded to above is a small stream 
which divides the Parishes of Tawton and Barnstaple; besides tbo 
“ Waters of Portmore,” it was also called formerly “ Forche’s 
Water,” it is now known as Cooney Gut. 

Richard 11. 

1389. “ John Okryg, Receiver.—Received for ix 

“ Butcher’s Stalls within the Market House,* l xxs. 
if vine?, and xxxviis. ivdf. for viii others.” 

u Paid the Bailiff of the Town for the Free Gabel of 

* The Term used in the Accounts, which are in Latin, in both 
the above entries is literally the Butchers ’ House, the meat market 
was then under the Guildhall, and was probably inclosed. 


273 


“ the Butcher’s Market, \\d. and the Prior of Barn- 
" staple for the same xviutf.” 

1394. “ Received i xlb. ms. for Butchers’ Stalls, 

and no more ; there are three stalls empty.” 

“ Paid the Warden of Saint Nicholas, for the Market 
“ House, 1 vd .; and Thomas Rashleigh, for the House 
“ aforesaid, 11 s.” 

1397. The King granted “ Letters Patent under 
“ the Great Seal, to Probi Homines (good men) of 
u Barnestaple, as security for the repayment of forty 
“ marks,” ( £26 13s. 4 d) 

This, even if reckoned at its value in modern money, which must 
be taken at not less than £500, was an unroyal sum for a prince to 
borrow, but Richard accepted many loans at this time of only five 
marks. A List of the different contributors has been preserved in 
the Foedera. “ Of 193 Subscriptions, there were 78 bv the Clergy 
“ from £1000 by the Bishop of Winchester, down to £13 6s. 8 d. ; 
“ 45 by Gentlemen, from £400 down to £3 6s. 8 d. ; and 70 by 
“ Cities and Towns.”* London contributed 10,000 marks ; Bris¬ 
tol, 1,200; of the 70 places mentioned only 32 furnished more 
than 50/. ; of the remaining 38, some lent but 6/. 13s. 4d. 

Henry VI. 

1437. “ Received for Butchers’ Stalls cixs. nd.” 

<f Paid xind. for one plank bought of Will, ate 

Clyff for Butchers’ Shambles, (Shamell. Carn.) and 
“ vhd. to Rog. Nychol for 1 day mending Shambles.” 

* Macpher son, from “ Foedera v. 8, p. 9.” 

In the Rot. Pat. it is recorded of this Monarch, that he borrowed 
in the first year of his reign, “ infinite thousands of pounds, from 
certain merchants.”— Ibid. 


274 


1452. A* Commission under the great seal was 
issued 12 November, granting a 44 general pardon to 
the Maior and Burgesses of Barnestaple.” 

Query. — Had they espoused the cause of the Duke of York? it 
appears probable that this was the case, and that they obtained 
forgiveness on promising to return to their allegiance. 

1454. 44 Received vi?. xivs. vi d. for Butchers’ 

44 Stalls. Received for the same by the day 
44 xxiiis. vine/.” 

44 Paid id. for carrying planks from Pilton to the But- 
44 chers’ Market, and vie?, for mending tressels, and n d. 
44 for repairing stalls before the feast of St. Michael.” 

1458. “ Received vi l. vis. vie?, for Batchers’ 

44 Stalls of different people having fixed places; and 
44 ivs. from others who are not constant.” 

44 Paid to the Wardens of the Long Bridge, ns. ; to 

John Bather for n days’ work, xd. ; and xxc?. to 
44 Thomas Kellyng, for iv days,” 

This five-pence per day may be reckoned nearly equal to three 
times the amount of wages earned by an ordinary mechanic i;i our 
day; few carpenters in this town get more than two shillings, or 
two shillings and three pence. 

Edward IV. 

1461. 44 Received vm?. xiudf. for Butchers’ Stalls 
44 of divers persons this year, and vis. for others not 
44 fixed.” 

1467. The following is an exact copy of an extract 
taken from the Receiver’s Accounts. It is the first 
entry in which I find any mention made of the Fish 
Market 


275 


<r 7th William Gybbe R.—Et de viZ. vis. \d. re- 
u cept. de Redd. Stall. Carnific. intrinsec. locat. diver- 
i€ sis bominibus ad Cert, per arm. Et de xxiZ. vs. r. 
“ de Reddit. extrinc. Carnific. et Stall, i Pise, jutstra 

[juxta] strand de diversis hominibus in cert, hoc 
“ Anno cum Sham. Carnific. et Mercer.” 

1474. “ Paid John Hume keeper of the shambles, 

“ iiis. viii d.” 

1477. In this year’s account, there is a charge of 
“ vieZ. paid for wine to the Burgesses of Pilton, to 
ie hear the new charter read.” 

A charter was granted in this year, but what could be meant by 
the Burgesses of Pilton , I am quite at a loss to conjecture. 

Richard 111. 

1483. Allowance to the Mayor for the expenses of 
his office, vZ. vis. vine?. 

Received for Meat and Fish Stalls, in all ixZ. 
ix*. ixcZ. 

Henry VII. 

1496. “ Et de ivZ. xvus. id. recept. de stall. 
“ Carnific. diversis hominibus locat. Et de v/.vns.id. 
“ de stall. Pise. Carnific. ad Mercerorum non locat. 
“ per ann. sed Casual. Et de xms. ivcZ. de exit 
“ nund.” 

This is the first account of any receipt of tolls, except from 
butchers, or sellers of fish. 

1497. “ Et xs. solut. Ball, pro exit nund.” 

1499. Paid to the Man of the Clerk of the Mar- 


2 N 


276 


44 ket ivs. xd. Also for making clean of the Shamells 
“ against Easter xviicZ. Also for 3 doz. trussels ns.” 

Henry VIII. 

1528. Total Amount of Tolls xmZ. xs. xd. 

This is the last year in which the extracts I am transcribing 
from, are made in Latin ; from which it is to be presumed, that in 
this reign the practice of keeping the corporation accounts in that 
language, was discontinued. 

Edward VI. 

1548. “ Received viZ. xs. for opening of Shop 
“ Windows of them who are no Burgesses of this 
“ towne, thisyere.” 

1551. 44 Received vinZ. xs. of all the Butchers 
44 and Fishers, for their Standings there this year.” 

“ Paid vis. vine?, in the pension of John Ellis, 

4< keeper of the shamells this year ; and xvicZ. to him 
“ for making clean of the Flesh and Fish Shambles 
“ this year ; and ns. for 4 pair of Trussels for the 
“ Butchers.” 

1552. “ ixZ. ns. xd. Received of all the But- 
“ chers and Fishers, for their Standings and Coverage 
“ there this year.” 

“ Paid expenses at Mr. Mayor's House, and Mr. 
“ Goddesland's, upon the Clerk of the Market, ins.; 
" and paving the Market Place xneZ.” 

Mary. 

1553. “ Received for the Stalls of the Butchers 

“ and Fishers, xiZ. xxs, neZ.” 


277 


“ Paid Mr. Uncke, Clerk of the Market, for a 
“ reward, \is. vm d” 

Philip and Mary. 

1554. “ Note, the Fish Shambles have Coverings/* 

[ This year was enacted the following strange but ludicrous 
regulation, in which especial favour was shewn to members of 
corporate bodies i— 

“ Whoever shall wear silk in or Upon his hat, bonnet, girdle, 
“ scabbard, hose, shoes, or spur-leather, shall be imprisoned for 
“ three months, and forfeit £10, excepting Magistrates of Corpo- 
“ rations, and persons of higher rank. And if any person, knowing 
“ his servants to offend against this law, do not put him forth of his 
'* service within fourteen days, or shall retain him again, he shall 
“ forfeit £100.”— Stat. I. 2. Philip and Mary , c. 2. 

This prohibition continued in force forty-nine years, when it was 
repealed, as being injurious to trade.] 

1555. Mayor’s Allowance, yiiiZ. 

1556. Jn this year, being the first of the existence 
of the Corporation, the cups and pots at present used 
for balloting the Mayor and Aldermen appear, by the 
following inscription on one of them, to have been 
made, “ Potts and Balls, mdlvi.” 

The cups present nothing remarkable in their appearance ; they 
are of wood, and are furnished with shallow brass pans, in which 
are holes through which the balls drop. 

1557. “ item to the Bailiffs of the Town, for the 
“ Fee-farm Rents of the Market and Fairs, xns.vidf.” 

Elizabeth. 

1558. “ Received of the Revenues of the Standings 
u and Coverages of Butchers and Fishers, with others, 




,4 xmZ. iis. xi d. And of Richard Sweet, for his 
44 standing 1 in the Shamells, vis. viueZ.'' 

“ Paid to John Ellis for his Fee, vis. vuicZ. Item 
<r to the same John for making clean of the Shamells, 
<f xvi d.” 

44 Paid for the Fee Farm of the Market, vis. vieZ.” 

1559. 44 Paid for Sealing Wax for sealing obliga- 

“ tions concerning the mortgaging of the Manor of 
44 the Borough.” (No sum.) 

44 To the Bailiffs of the Town, for the Fee Farm of 
44 the Market, ns. vieZ.'' 

1564. Produce of the Penny-halfpenny, ixZ. vs. 

44 Paid to the Clerk of the Market by Mr, Mayor's 

44 Commandment, xms. ivcZ.'' 

1565. 44 Paid to the Bailiff of the Lord of the 
44 Borough there, for the Fee Farm of the Market, xs.” 

This year the Corporation purchased the Manor.* (see page 15.) 

1567. Produce of Penny-halfpenny, viZ. ivs, 

44 Paid (Herk of the Market, xs. Item to his mail 
44 for a reward, by Mr. Mayor's Commandment, ns. 
44 Item for wine at his being at Mr. Mayor's, xc/.'' 

1568. The Bailiffs 44 Richard Delbridge and Roger 
Cade " in their accounts 44 ask allowance paid to the 
44 Lord's Officers of the said Borough, for all the 

* Since the publication of the former part of this work, I have 
been favoured by a gentleman residing in a distaut part of the 
county, with an office copy of the deed of conveyance of the Manor 
from Mr. Marrow to Sir John Chichester, which recites a grant of 
the lathstcdes or Tolls by Henry VIII. and another by Philip and 
Mary. This curious and interesting document is given in Appendix 


279 


46 rents due to him, as it was lately agreed between 
“ Sir John Chichester, Knight, deceased, Lord of the 
“ said Town, and the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bur- 
46 gesses of the same Town, xivZ. xvns.” 

This is the first mention made of payment of the manor rent; 
the sum subsequently paid varies, but is usually £14 18s. 6 d. 
“ The fee-farm rents of the town ” also continue to be charged 10#. 
as before. 

1569. Mayor’s Allowance, xmZ. vis. vine/. 

1570. “ The Bailiffs do account for xm/.xviiu. 
“ id. received for toll, custom, and other duties, 
“ accustomed to have been paid to the Bailiffs there 
<f in the Market Days, commonly called Penny-half- 
“ penny, and for vi/. vim. i \d. received for the rents 
44 and free gavel” (called in another entry free gam¬ 
mon) u of the Lands and Tenements there to the use 
46 of the Lord of the said Borough, as appeareth by 
4r the Rental thereof. And for liis. received for the 
44 Farm of the Common Oven there this year. And 
44 form/, vi s. xd. received for the perquisites of the 
44 Castle Courts to the use of the same Lord this year. 
44 And for ns.vieZ. received for the Farm of the Bridge 
rf Pool this year. And for vis. received for expenses 
4f of six Castle Courts holden there this year.” 

1572. 44 This year vZ. vis. vinri. was allowed 

44 towards the charge of Mr. Mayor, for the expenses 
44 of the Castle Courts.” 

44 Paid for a Bow and Sheafe of Arrows, o/. vs. ud yy 

Purchased by the Receiver to the Corporation. Query —For 
their worships to shoot at butts with on the Castle Green ? * 

* Such a supposition carries with it nothing in the least deroga¬ 
tory, to a body corporate of the sixteenth century. Slow, in bi» 


280 


Produce of Penny-halfpenny, xxl. ixs. ixd. 

1583. Received “ of Simon Moungey, for setting* 
“ his posts by his house, xud.” 

1584. Paid “ To the Searchers of the Market, 
“ for their Fee this year, l vs. and paid to them more, 
u vis. vine?. 

This is the first notice taken of such an office as searcher of the 
market. 

“ Paid to John Blackmore, for keeping a Light in 
“ the Shamells this year, xs” 

1585. “ Paid to John Richards, Keeper of the 
“ Shamells, for his Fee, xms. i xd. and paid to the 
“ Clerk of the Market, for a reward , xms. ivg?.” 

This “ reward ” varies in amount, but never exceeds the above 
sum. 

1590. “ Paid Philip Francis to gather Toll in the 

“ absence of John Knill, one of the Bailiffs, on a 

Friday,he being at Chulmleigh on the Town’sBusi- 
“ ness, vi d.” 

Survey of London, relates that the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and 
Aldermen, used to go together into the fields, to join in this sport 
with the citizens. Many of our Kings, down to the lime of Charles 
I. also amused themselves with this pastime; it was written of 
Henry VIF. in an old ballad,— 

“ See where he shooteth at the butts, 

“ And with hym are lordes three; 

“ He weareth a gowne of velvette blacke, 

** And it is coted above the knee.” 

Various enactments have been made in favour of archery. One 
act of parliament in the reign of Henry VIII. obliged every man to 
exercise with the bow, aged or infirm persons, ecclesiastics, and 
judges, excepted. (See also page 81.) 


281 


1591. This year the Corporation first enjoyed the 
luxury of Glass Lights in the Guildhall. “ This 
“ Month of Maye was the Enterclosure, and the little 
“ house drawn downe, the same hall enlarged, and 
<f the wyndows of the same glassed/" 

Mayor’s Allowance, xxl. 

1595. “ xi Dec. John Norrys, a Burgess of this 
“ Town, brought a new Charter, which 1 [the Town- 
“ clerk ] re d in English before the Maior and most 
“ part of the Comon Council/" 

" The 2 Aldermen, the 1st Coroners in Town, 
l< Thomas Skynner, a common Counsel man, elected 
“ clerke of the Market according to new charter, and 
rc sworne, &c/" 

1596. “ In the Christmas there was delivered unto 
ic his Honor Earl of Bath, by Mr. Maior and the 
“ Aldermen, a patent under their common seal of the 
“ office of Recorder of this Towne, wche his Honor 
“ did willyngly accepte."" 

“ Mr. John Trender, Vicar of this Town, inveighed 
“ * n sermon [query, on Christmas-day ?] against 
“ *l ie Aldermen for not coming to Church, whom, he 
“ said, were like 2 fat oxen, that they wd not hear 
<c when X [Xst for Christ!] call’d unto them, but 
“ drew backwards, and drew others from X. The 
“ Aldermen were present, but unseen. For this, and 

his indecent behaviour on being questioned for this 
Ci abuse, he was committed to warde for want of sure- 
“ ties: the E. of Bath next day discharged him.— 
“ William Collybear, Senior Alderman, who during 
<€ his office is a Justice, was bound over by E, of Bath 


282 


“ and Mr. H. Ackland, to appear at the next Sessions 
“ for behaviour. The like was never heerd before.” 

1598. 44 18 Aug. Richard Beaple, elected a com- 
44 mon Council man in room of Roger Cade, who was 
44 put out for that he dwelld out of this Towne above 
44 one year.” 

Up to this time there is a regular salary 44 paid to 
“ the Keeper of the Shamells,” but, 44 beginning of 
44 Dec.” says one of the Chroniclers of the day, 44 the 
44 old Shambles under the Guildhall, the posts, and 
44 all were pluck’d down, and the place pav’d, and a 
44 new bench set by the North Wall, and so tis 
44 appoynted for a walkying place.” 

The Receiver also takes credit this year for cash, 
44 Paid for plucking down the flesh shamells, for new 
44 benching and paving the same room,” &c. 

The meat market was now held in the street, probably because 
there was not sufficient room for stalls under the hall. 

1599. 44 Certain inhabitants of this town, which 
44 are no burgesses, viz. Pentecost Dodderidge, John 
44 Welsh, William Darracot, John Garret, being rated 
44 for buying and sellyng and opening the Shopwyn- 
44 dows, to the ancyente custome of this Towne, 
44 refused to pay their rates, which the Resceyver of 
44 this Towne took distresses from them for the same, 
44 and thereupon the said Dodderidge sent immediately 
44 for a writ and arrested the Resceyver, who presently 
44 put in bail for his appearance at the Michaelmas 
44 term.” 

The statement is a long one, and given in the 
prosing style of the writer would prove tedious. 


283 


44 Recusants ” having 44 combyned together to try the 
44 matter with the Towne, two of them 44 Dodderidge 
44 and Darracot appeared ** before the Earl of Bath, 
who 44 sat at the Guildhall with Mr. Maior, the Alder- 
44 men, and whole Counsell .” The hearing ended in 
defendants, who were opposed bv “ Mr.Thomas Leigh, 
44 one of the learned Counsell of this Town,” being 
44 commyted to Prison,” whilst 44 his Honor ** the 
Earl of Bath and his worshipful colleagues ivent to 
dinner ! 44 After dinner sentence was gyven against 

<c them.” Dodderidge to go to prison until he 44 found 
44 sureties for his good behaviour ,” besides being 
46 himself bound in cl. [100/.] to appear before the 
“ Lords of her Majestfs Privy Counsel /, the vi of 
.« Feb. next following. Darracot to remayne in prison 
“ vi days, and be bound to his good behaviour, and 
tc to appear at next. Assizes for Devon.” 

Welsh also 44 appeared, and standing stout he was 
44 commyted to prison.” Darracot and Welsh were 
after six days* imprisonment 44 dismyssed, but by what 
44 reason,” says the writer, i knowe not, so that the 
“ most part of this mettal in the refyning went off in 
44 smoke.** 

On the twenty-sixth of January, 1600, (in order to 
be in time on the sixth of February,) 44 Mr. Thomas 
46 Leigh and Bartholomew Harris began their journey 
44 toward London , on Towne*s behalf,** and on the 
twentieth of the same month e: returned with the order 
44 that Dodderidge should pay the xxs. he was sette, 
44 and to be made a Burgess of this Towne, paying xl. 

2 o 


284 


<f as others doe” “ Recusant” Dodderidge after¬ 
wards became Mayor of Barnstaple. 

The proceedings in this affair, and that of the unfortunate vicar, 
[see below,] serve to shew us in what a pompous and arbitrary 
manner, magisterial proceedings were conducted here at this period. 

1600. 11 Monday, the xix day of Maye, the new 

“ Kaye upon the Strand, almost in the midst of the 
“ other Kay, was begun to be buylded.” 

“ xi August.—On this day William Collibeare, 
“ who had been Maior ij tymes of this Towne, for 
“ that he had for the space of ij yeres and above dwelt 
“ out of Towne, and now set out his house in Towne 
tr where he dwelt, and so no hope of his returne to 
“ Towne agayne, and was dismjssed of his room in 
“ the common Counsell of this Town, and disfran- 
“ chysed, &c. and immediately thereupon William 
“ Shapleigh was elected in his room, and sworne.” 

“ Order in Towne that the Maister and other of the 
“ common Counsell slid bang out Candles and Lan- 
“ terns at their doors in dark nights in the wynter till 
“ ix o’clock.” 

It cannot be disputed then that the Corporation of 1600 were, 
besides being the “ more discreet and honest/’ the most enlightened 
men in the borough. 

“ Friday, xiv Nov.—Mr. Maior and Aldermen 

going upon their search in the evenings as usual!, 
“ found the vicar, Mr. Trynder, in John Williams’ 
“ House, being a Tipler, wh other company, and 
“ having amongst them a pipe with a tabor, a little 
“ after nyne ;and because Mr. Trynder wd not come 
Cf down to Mr. Maior from the chamber upon com- 
“ mandment, and for other his. 


285 


“ was commuted to warde, where he abode till 
u Mornynge following; in the mean time he sent a 
€i lamentable letter to the B’p of Exeter, advertising 
“ his Lordship that he was wrongfully commytted and 
ef without any cause ; whereupon his Lordship wrote 
“ to E. of Bath, who commanded the Maior to come 
“ to him, which he did at Tawstock—a day appoynt- 
“ ed for hearing—vicar released—Sunday following 
“ he preachd ij hours, being a cold daye he werved 
fC all his audience. Tuesday following it was heard 
“ and determined that there was just cause for his 
“ being detayned, and to be bound for his good 
“ behave ; yet Mr. Maior, by his Honour’s persuasion, 
“ and his own concern, remytted to my Lord of Bath’s 
“ censure.” 

“ In biliary [term] Mr. Trvnder, the vicar, was p: 
“ cepted to appear before the high Commissioners in 
“ matters ecliastical, to answer Articles exhibited by 
“ Richard Ley, [a barrister,] (but by the instance of 
“■ Mr. Maior and others of this Towne,) so there is 
“ no likelihood of good government while such Dis- 
“ sensions last.” 

Mr. Trinder certainly set his parishioners a sorry example, in 
associating with such company and for such a purpose; and his 
conduct would have formed a proper subject for the serious consi¬ 
deration of the Diocesan ; but his committal to prison under the 
circumstances here narrated, presents no very favourable specimen 
of “ good government ” in those days. 

“ Paid to the Lord of the said Borough 

“ XI \l. XVIII S. Vlrf.” 

It is somewhat extraordinary that up to this date, Sir John 
Chichester should be so styled in the Corporation Accounts. Thirty 


2S6 


years subsequent lo this the entry is much (he same. “ Paid to 
Robert Chichester, Heir of the Lord of the Manor.” 

1601. (e The Sessions and the Law Court of this 
“ Towne were kept this yere the iu day of Maye. 

Mr. John Delbridge, Maior, being absent in North- 
“ amptonshire or London, on business ;—no Dinner 
“ kept at Maior’s House for Maisters, Steward, or 
“ otherwise ; towards expense of Dinner the Jury had 

each vi d, and the Towne Clerke viud. This order 
“ hath no father to any man’s remembrance now 
“ living, but sprange up of the infected Ayr, lately 
“ amongst us. The Jury, save one, dined at William 
“ Clyverdon’s, and adding to their allowance spent 
Cf i xd. apiece, and had good cheer, wine, &c. &c.” 

The writer (the Town Clerk) expresses himself very feelingly on 
the loss of his dinner, but he appears to have “ pocketed (he 
affront ” and taken 8 d. as an equivalent for a seat at the Mayor’s 
Table. We learn from the above incident that antiquity may be 
pleaded for the custom (still practised) of giving dinners to the 
Corporation, Juries, &c. at the Sessions. 

During the long reign of Queen Elizabeth, the 
Penny-halfpenny varied from 6 /. 10s. 0 d. to 22 1. 
averaging about 13/. 85 . 0 d. per annum. 

James 1. 

1603. “ 6 June.—The Masons began the walls of 

“ the New Works, and that day the great Doors of 
“ the Gate were sat up.” 

It is not now, I believe, known, what these “ new works ” * 

* The row of buildings called Quay Place, situate nearly oppo¬ 
site the Custom House. 


287 


were, or for what purpose they were intended, when first erected ; 
hut they were probably nothing 1 more than a walled enclosure pro¬ 
jecting into the river; the warehouse and dwellings have, no doubt, 
been added since. A powerful opposition was raised to this en¬ 
croachment (as it was then declared to be) on public rights^ and kept 
up (as will be seen) for five years, but availed nothing. The ground 
of complaint, namely, that an injury had been done to the river, 
was certainly a most futile one, but it is to be lamented, that 
instead of being occupied by buildings, it is not available as a 
wharf, the want of quay-room being at times very much felt.” 

1604. 44 Nicholas Gay, Surveyor of Strangers, his 
“ fee vis. vuirl.” This officer is in another place 
called “ Beadle of the Beggars.” 

1605. “ 6 June was an Admiralty Court held in 
“ this Towne, by the Earl of Bath, Vice Admiral, 
64 concerning the new work, because the said Earl 
f4 doth much envy against it. Mr. Nicholas Wyat, as 
44 Judge of the Admiralty, kept the Court. Mr, 
44 Bridgman’s Son being Notary. Mr. Hugh Ackland 
44 and Mr. Hinson sat in the Court in the Morning, 
44 and My Lord of Bath in the Afternoon, when the 
44 Jury gave in the Verdict, which was, that it was a 
44 noysence to the passage of Boats and Barges. Mr. 
44 Bar. Harris, [Mayor when the building was begun,] 
44 John Norris, James Downe, were all 3 indicted for 
44 building the new work, supposing the same to be 
44 an annoyance to Boats.” 

1605. 44 12 Aug.—James Woodrough was elected 

44 Maior. Before the Election he prevailed on 15 to 
44 promise that they wd not ballot for him; but they 
“ disceivd him, and he was chosen. He was absent , 


288 


14 and had appointed his voice and hall unto Robert 
“ Honey 

A precedent for voting at the election of a Mayor, by proxy. 

1606. “ John Salisbury elected a common Coun- 
44 sell man in the room of William Shapleigh, who 
44 dvvelleth at Bideford, and did dwell out of this 
44 Town above one yere and a day, and therefore los- 
“ ing his Freedom and Lib^tie that he had in Town, 
44 he was likewise dismysed of his Roome.” 

44 Paid to John Darracot for wood to burn stinking 
44 Flesh in the Market, vi d.” 

This year an Action was brought against the Cor¬ 
poration respecting a House claimed by Sir Robert 
Chichester. 44 This last Somer Assize came down for 
44 Judges, L d -Chief Baron and Justice Tanfield, at 
44 whch Assize Sr- Roberte Chichester had a Trial agt- 
u the Towne, for Gorton’s House by the Castle Green, 
44 wch passed wtl* S r - Robert C. by reason of three 
44 witnesses web he brought, that did sweare that the 
44 house did stand in the dike, altho’ it be most 
44 apparent that the same is far withoute, and so vere- 
44 tied at the Trial by the Olhs of vij credible 
44 witnesses.” 

1607. 44 Last Lent, Mr. Harris and Mr. John 
44 Delbridge of this Towne, by order and consent of 
44 the Town, exhibited a petition before the Lords in 
44 Counsell, contayning a Complaint of the Maior, 
44 Aldermen, and Burgesses, against Mr. Hugh Ack- 
44 iande, a Justice of Peace, of divers enormities, 
44 injuries, and ill demeanours, by him daily com- 
44 myted, against the state and government of the 


289 


Towne, although he had always among them good 
entertainment. Of which Complaint the Lords 
takying due consideration, wrote Letters to the 
“ Judges at Assizes to bind over Mr. Ackland to 
appear before their Lordships, or end the contro¬ 
versies. The Judge receyving the Letters, Mr. 
“ Ackland was called before them, and he told those 
“ that were present that the Counsell had a great 
“ regard for the Town of Barnstaple, that it had done 
“ divers services as well to the late gracious Queen as 
“ to the present most excellent Majesty, in receyving 
“ of souldiers often times sent into Ireland, and there- 
“ fore their Honours were to uphold the rights [of the 
“ Town] then Sir John Ackland desired that he 
might have the hearing of the causes in difference; 
44 which the Judge objected to unless the Townsmen 
44 agreed thereto ; but by the earnest request of Sr. 
4 * John Ackland, Mr. Maior and his Brethren com- 
<e mytted the whole cause into Sir John Ackland’s 
hands, upon promises that he and his brother would 
44 always hereafter bear good affection to the Towne, 
44 and doe any thing for their good, the cause pro- 
4f ceeded no farther. Same tyme the new worke was 
4f in question, and the Judges havyng receyvd Letters 
4f from Lords of Counsel, were in a milder censure 
44 and conceyt therewith there was Mr. Hinson and 
44 Mr. Richard Ley, and divers others followed the 
44 cause against the Town, and were earnest to [eager 
44 for] Judgement, which shewd a plott drawn of the 
44 new worke; the Judge being commanded to^ stop 
44 Judgement, and to take a view of the work ; Viewers 


290 


“■ were appoynted by consent of all parties. Sr- John 
“ Ackland, S r - Arnias Bampfield, S r * Thomas Browne, 
Henry the elder Knight, Mr. Anthony Monck, 
“ Mr. Arthur Harris, and Mr. William Carie, to view 
i£ and to certify at next Assizes. 

“ 2 July.—The Knights and Gentlemen about the 
new worke met Hie greater parte, and did see the 
f£ Barges pass the bridge with sand, who passed safe 
except one who struck on purpose. The Gentlemen 
were Sir William Stroode, Mr. Seymour, Sir Amias 
Bampfylde, Sir Thomas Browne, Sir Henry Rolle, 
Mr. Anthony Monck, Mr. Ar. Harris, and Mr. W. 
ec Cary ; after view sat in Guildhall and heard the 
rf Bargmen ; they spoke as they woud for they were 
,f not sworne. Much ado at this Assizes about the 
“ new worke, the adverse party procured the Judge 
to give his verdict against it, but it was not then 
- tc entered.” 

1608. A new Indictm*. against Mr. Bar. Harris, 
“ John Norris, James Downe, and others, about the 
new work.” 

“ At this Assize xxxi day of Julye, the Judges sat 
(C at one bench, exceptions argued by Counsel; the 
* f Judges went to Launceston, and the Indictees 
6f ordered to meet at Sr. John Ackland, the Sheriff’s; 
<f after conference had about the matter, Mr. Richard 
Harris, Maior, Mr. Richard Beaple, Mr. Barthole- 
mew Harris, and others, met at Crediton ; the 
Adversaries, Mr. Hinson, Mr. Hugh Ackland, 
Richard Lev, one Fearse an Attorney, Bar. Berry, 
“ Thomas Loverynge, and others, but never a Lawyer, 


291 


fr [Barrister] among them, for so the Judge detenni- 
“ «ed. The Affair opened by Riley, but interrupted 
by the Judg, as he thought he did not tell his tale 
<c as theyse he should, and scarce any sentence that 
“ came from the Judge, but was a shock to him and 
the rest of the company, and little said of Mr. 
“ Delbridge’s side, savyng that one Pugsley, a poor 
boteman, was examynd concerning that one Davy 
<r of Tawton had sworn before the Jurie at Exon,that 
<e by reason of this new worke, he could not pass the 
6f Bridge by nyght as well as before ; whereas, in 
truth, Davy passed the Bridge by nyght many times 
“ since, and Pugsley in companie, as Pugsley there 
ef constantlie affirmed before the Judg, which the 
“ Judg did very much consider, and then well thought 
* c that the matter was carried against the Town of 
r< malice and displeasure ; so thare they award that 
“ this Busyness should go no farther. Then Richard 
Ley informed the Judge, that by reason of this new 
< c work, the Channel there w 7 as become so deep, that 
f ' Horses could not pass over to fetch sand as they used.” 

It is, perhaps, necessary to state, that the Quays did not at this 
time extend so far out into the river as at present. The new work 
projected, 1 conceive, wholly beyond them, and must therefore have 
had, at certain times of the tide, a sensible effect on the current of 
the river, by causing it to set off in that particular part, which, 
however, could have little to do with the passage of boats through 
flie Bridge. We find (see page 43) that previous to this period, a 
sand bank fay quite abreast of the town, but uow Counsel complains 
that the channel is become deep. 

1610. <e xls. reed of Jn° Webber, for a fine 
“ imposed upon him, for refusing to execute the 

2 p 


292 


44 office of a searcher of the market, he being elected 
“ to it.” 

Charges for wood to burn “ corrupt ” and “ unwholesome ” flesh 
occur frequently about this time. 

1612. 44 Reed of John Venner, of llfordcombe, 

“ for selling nails in the market, xvmd.” 

Mayors Allowance xxxl. 

1614. 44 Paid Searchers of the Market their fee 
“ vi s. viii d., and for their shoes at Christmas vis., 
“ and paid for watching of Flesh hung up at the 
“ High Cross in Time of Lent, in d” —Query, why ? 

1615. 44 Paid for a Glove that was put out at the 
44 Fair nnd” 

It is still customary to put a stuffed glove out of the Quay Hall 
Window on the day preceding the Fair. 

1617. ‘ 4 Received for fishing in the Bridge Pool, 

“ ivs.” 

About the year 1800, the Corporation received 21s. per annum, 
for this Fishery, but their right to do so was questioned. It has 
been for many years open to every body, but owing to the scarcity 
of Fish it is worth nothing to any body.—It was put up at the last 
Auction for letting the Town Farms, but no one bid for it. 

“ Paid to John Davy for making a note of the 
‘ f price of corn every market day, ns. vid. Resides 
“ their Fees and Shoes, a charge is now made for the 
44 Searcher’s Dinners, i vs” 

1620. 44 Paid Mr. Richd Delbridge for the fee- 

44 simple of a House and Garden, which is now made 
44 to a prison for the Corporation” 

So wrote their Worship’s Receiver; but I do not find that any of 
the Body Corporate ever became inmates of the building thus staled 
to have been set apart for their use. 


293 


1622. <f Mandatory Letter from King James to 
<c Mayor and Corporation, to elect Earl of Bath 
“ Recorder.” 

M e know the noble Earl to have been Recorder previously, but 
not having been on good terras with the Corporation, he had, most 
probably, been dismissed from office in consequence. Disputes 
must have ran high before a Peer could have been thus treated by 
a Corporate Body. It does not appear whether or no bis Lordship 
was reinstated, but we do not find him again acting as Recorder. 

1622. Paid for Candles to hang by a Bull that 
“ was not beaten ncZ.” 

The brutal practice of bull baiting was not only tolerated here 
formerly, but enjoined by the bye laws of the Corporation. (See 
Appendix C.) The hapless animal here mentioned appears to 
have been left for a night in the public streets, preparatory to bis 
being baited. 

The penny half-penny toll during this reign in 
one instance produced but 9/. 18s. 4d. t in another 
21/. 6s. 5c/.; the average was 18/. 7s. 6c/.” 

Charles I. 

1628. “ Nov r 17. Key, Keyhall, Crane, and 
“ Yarn Beam let to W m Palmer and Nichs Delbridge, 

at 86/., with the following stipulation: if plague 
ct comes into Town and Markets decay. Payment only 
“ to be made to the time of it’s entrance.” 

1629. The same Tolls as above mentioned rf taken 
‘ f by Richard Delbridge, at 100/. 10s. OcZ. on the same 
<r condition as last year.” 

“ 24 Novr Dr Symes, a learned Physician, en- 
“ gaged by Mayor and Corporation to be resident 
“ in Town, and give advice gratis to the Poor at 20/. 


294 


“ per annum for two years, to be paid out of Town 
“ Stock, if not raised by subscription.” 

1630. About this time, (for I cannot state the pre¬ 
cise date,) a fine of 100/, was imposed on the Corpo¬ 
ration by the Star Chamber, which they were allowed 
to pay by yearly instalments of 5/. 

1632. The Market Tolls were first farmed out ; 
Rent 19/. In the Receiver’s Account this year, credit 
is given for the extraordinary sum of 46 xiv. in. v. 
44 reed for Fines and Amerciments at the Court days.” 

1633, Oct. 19 44 Resolved that no stranger be 

4f made free, under a fine of v/. except he marry a 
“ Burgess’s Daughter, then to pay xls. 

It is well known that in Bristol a man becomes free of the city 
by marrying the daughter of a burgess ; but the notice of a custom 
so nearly approaching to it having existed in Barnstaple will be new 
to most of my readers. Any person, it appears, might have pur¬ 
chased the Freedom of the Borough for five pounds, but in 1600 
the customary sum was ten pounds. (Sec page 283.) 

A charge occurs in the Bailiff’s Account of 44 13s. 7d. 
f4 disbursed to Watchmen on the Market Days and 
in that of the Receiver, of “ 2s. to make stakes, and to 
44 those that d rove the stakes at the measuring out the 
44 Town waste;” also of 44 35s. for surveying the 
44 Town and clearing the Shambels.” 

1644, 44 Memdm that the . . . day of October in 

44 the morning, Charles Feard being Maior, absented 
44 himself, and would not appear to yield up his office ; 
44 whereupon he was dismissed from bis Maioralty and 
44 fined by the Town, and Henry Mason elected, who 
44 within three hours surrendered his Maioralty again 


295 


“ unto Adam Lugg, who was sworn Maior then pre- 
6C sently for the year ensuing. 3 Maiors in one day.” 

1646. Sepfr Mr. Ferris was elected Maior on 
€S the Marsh on the higher side of Konybridge, by 
“ Ballets.” 

This was owing to the plague which then raged in the Town. 
The ground where the ceremony took place is that known as Port 
Marsh, adjoining the Turnpike House. 

1648. “ Reed from the Butchers, for Fines from 
“ them, i. xvi. o.” 

Average of Market Tolls during this reign, xviiJ. 
i is, o d. 

Charles II. 

1649. cc Paid the pavior for paving the Cawsey 
“ without North gate, 10s.”* 

Reed of Butchers for winding [query weighing] 
“ their meat, 21. 9s. 4 d” 

t€ Reed of John Webber for License to make a 
“ Dunghill in Southgate, upon the Town Land, [alias 
“ in the street].” 

“ Licensed 99 nuisances were formerly very common here ; some of 
these still remain, and others have been either modified or improved, 
at a considerable expense to the public. The Front of a Public House 

* “ Precious morceau this to transmit to posterity/' exclaimed 
the writer of a review a few years since, on quoting some trivial 
record from a topographical work 1 I am quite conscious how tri¬ 
fling the above and many other extracts given in this work are 
in themselves; they are registered here only because they serve to 
elucidate some subject of interest relating to former times ; for 
example, the ancient state or names of the public ways of the town, 
situation of particular buildings, customs of the inhabitants, &c. 


296 


in Litchdon, (the Golden Anchor,) for tlie “ setting forward ” of 
which I s. per annum was paid to the Corporation, was, on its being 
taken down a few years ago to be rebuilt, set back again by the 
owner, in consideration of 20/. paid out of the Town rates. The 
opening from Cross Street to the Quay would not, until heightened 
lately at “ Town’s Cost,” admit of a Carriage being driven under if. 
For the privilege of “ building over this passage, and resting tim¬ 
bers on the Quay Hall,” an ancient rent of sixpence is paid. “ For 
setting the walls of her (the owner’s) House further into the Street, 
near the Cross,” (the greatest nuisance in High-Street,) 4 d. 

Many other instances of a similar kind might be furnished, but 
the following entry on “ a Rent Rolle ” of the Corporation Lands 
crowns the whole“ Executors of Mr. George Parminter, for 
“ erecting a Little House on the Town Waste behind his House, 

Sixpence This “ Town Waste ” is an open and constant 
thoroughfare called the “ Drang,” an.d the Cloaca stood but a few 
feet from the front windows of the residence uf one of the principal 
inhabitants. It was removed about twenty years ago. 

1650. “ Maior to have xxl. out of Profits of Quay, 
“ and the rest to go towards discharging debts, &c.” 

1651. Produce of Quay dues 56/. 10s. 

This reduction may doubtless be attributed to the plague, 
(See page 293.) 

“ Mr. Tho* Dennys, Maior, was prosecuted and 
Cf ousted of his Maioralty for being chosen Captain 
“ of the Traind Bands, the Town being then for the 
<f King when he was chosen Captain.” 

1652. “ Paid for new making of the Maces and 
“ new cases 22/.” (See pp. 167-8.) 

“ Nov r 9, Henry Mason admitted a Free Burgess, 
“ and excused Fines for using his Trade and opening 
“ Shop Windows on the following singular conditions, 
“ —that he keep in repair the Windows of the Guild- 
“ hall and the little windows over the belfry.” 


297 


1653. 44 Paid to several Watchmen three Market 

44 Days to attend the Market in Budport, 41. 10s.” 

“ Phillip Wyott chosen Deputy Recorder.” 

44 James Welsh’s Bequest borrowed.” (seepage 168.) 

44 July 30, Paid Chas Hearson for setting up the 
44 Tome Stone on the Key, 2/.” 

A large stone so called, used (prior to this date) to stand on 
the quay, from the surface of which it was raised to a proper height 
to be used as a writing table by merchants and others. Why it was 
called the Tomb Stone cannot be discovered; but it has always (as 
far as is known) been so designated. Query,—was the stone thus 
termed from having been fixed in a similar way to the covering of a 
sepulchre? or, was it not rather known, originally, as the Town 
Stone? The substitution of “ Tome ” for Towne or Toune, (both 
old ways of writing Town,) is very supposable. 

1655. Produce of 44 Key Hall,” 52/. 10s. 

Ditto of penny-halfpenny, 16/. 

46 The Sand Ridge lying next above Barnstaple 
44 Bridge let for 6s. 8 d. per annum.” 

This must have been previous to the embankment being made on 
the opposite side of the river ; no such accumulation of sand can 
now take place in the situation described, which must have been on 
the Barnstaple side, or the Corporation could not have let the ridge. 
Query,—had they any right to let it at all? 

44 27 Feby Sir John Copplestone (Sheriff of Devon) 
44 chosen Recorder.” 

44 27 Feby No man shall be hereafter admitted a 
44 free Burgess for 40s. on the plea of having married 
44 a freeman’s daughter, his Fine to be arbitrary.” 

The Corporation acted wisely in abolishing the custom of offering 
a dowry with Freemen's Daughters ; the practice existed about 
twenty-two years. (See page 294.) Whence was their authority 
for making such a provision derived ? 


298 


1656. “ Nov r 13, Keyhall, &c. let for 61/. The 
44 Corporation to maintain the taking of Duties, &c.” 

This year the Market Tolls, which for the preceding fifteen years 
had been collected by the Bailiffs, and had considerably fallen off, 
were again let for 25/. 12s. with the same Stipulation as above 
mentioned, which implies that payment of some or all of the dues 
had been resisted. (See page 299.) 

44 Augt 12, Phillip Wyot, Deputy Recorder, dis- 
44 missed for imbecility of mind and body, and age.” 

1657. 44 Anthony Palmer and John Palmer not to 
44 pay interest for 100/. on account of good services to 
44 Town by William Palmer.” 

64 Penny-halfpenny set for 23/. per year.” 

44 Toll of Fair and Markets [for cattlej except of 
44 quick cattle, which the Town Clerk for the time 
44 being hath used to take to his own use in Fair 
44 Time, 71 . 155,” 

The present Town Clerk has not been used to exercise such a 
privilege, nor was he aware, until 1 mentioned if, that the custom 
bad ever prevailed. 

1658. 44 No Receiver—the Maior chose Daniel 
44 Cary; but the Town would not admit of him, he 
44 being a turbulent seditious Fellow.” 

The office of Receiver to the Corporation appears to have been of 
much greater note formerly than at present. The name and ap¬ 
pointment of this Officer is frequently mentioned. 

44 Thomas Davy, a tallow-chandler, made Town 
" Clerk.” 

1660. 44 Recorder Copplestone dismissed from 

44 office, he having presumed to appoint several offi- 
44 cers, and set at liberty persons from Prison without 
“ consent of the Mayor and Aldermen.” 


299 


1661. “ Ordered that the Parish ofFremington do 
“ pay Toll for what they buy in the Market.” 

There had been a lawsuit between this place and Barnstaple, a 
year or two previous. 

“ Corporation new modelled according to act of 

Parliament. There was removed Mr. Nicholas 

Cooke, and Mr. Paige placed in his room ; Mr. 

John Cook, and Mr. Xpher Hunt in his room; 

Mr. Richard Harris, and Mr. Ackland in his room ; 

Mr. Thos Cox, and Mr. Lewis Rosier in his room ; 
“ Mr. Thos Bipeland, and Mr. Thos Coles in his 

room ; Mr. John Rosier placed in Mr. Cox’s office 
“ of Town Clerk.” 

It is weJ] known that Charles II. obtained from his Parliament 
authority to displace such members of Corporate Bodies as had 
rendered themselves obnoxious to the Government; but it would 
appear that two of the above-named individuals refused to submit 
and lay aside their robes ; and also that another member of the 
Corporation, not mentioned at first, fell under the King s displeasure, 
since there was issued in the following year->- 

1662, “ 19 Feby—A commission under the great 
“ seal for the removal of Nicholas Cook, John Cook, 
u and Bartholemew Biss, for refusing to subscribe to 
“ the Act for regulating Corporations.” 

1664. “- Seldon no Maior by the Act, not 

“ having reed the Sacramt in one year before chosen.” 

1665. April. Resolution passed respecting poor’s 
monies (see page 166). 

1665. 7 March.—Sr John Chechester, of Raw- 

“ leigh, was sworren Recorder. Mr. Bassett being put 
“ into that place by the Comrs for regulating Corpora- 
“ tions, but not approved of by the Corporation, on 

2 Q 



300 


“ the 15 May brought a mandamus to shew cause why 
“ he should not be admitted Recorder. Mr. Bassett 
“ overthrone by a trial at Exon,” 

“ 14 Oct r —Mr. John Palmer sworn Maior. There 
“ was great discution betwixt the Majestrates ; Seldon, 
“ Ackland, Paige, and others, forsaking the Bench, 
“ and refused to sit at the Maior’s table, which gave 
rt the Maior occasion to keep no Court Dinners that 
ft year.” 

1666. “ July.—They warnd a hall to chuse new 
tf Majestrates, at which time there was great decention 
“ began by Mr. Seldon, Ackland, and Paige, concern- 

ing their pretended seniority; Ackland, Lewis Rosier, 
“ Chr. Hunt, T. Codes, and Gilbert Paige, being put 
“ in by the Corn's would take place before those which 
tf had been antient Magistrates, nay, some of them 
“ Maior many years before, but the Corporation would 
“ not allow it, the new Company protested against it. 
“ A deed of insolency, and in former days w<l have 
tf been punished, either by disfranchisement, or binding 
“ them over to answer at the Assizes, for that their 
“ contempt of the Power granted by the Charter; but 
“ the Maior p’ceeded, and Thomas Harris was elected 
“ a Common Councilman, in room of Mr. John 
“ Horwood.” 

“ Mr. John Greade, Maior. Greade was Sergt at 
“ mace many years, and now the Serjt sits in the 
<f Maior’s place. And is not this topsyturvy.” 

1667. “ Lawrence Gay, inhabiting twelve miles 
“ from Barnstaple, requests to be displaced from 
“ being a Capital Burgess. Is displaced accordingly.” 


301 


1670. “ Ordered, that the Churchwardens be di- 

“ rected to ripp off two Locks set on two seats in Isle 
£f [Aisle], called the Maister’s Isle ; if any action be 
“ brought, to be defended by the Corporation. Or- 
“ dered also, that the Churchwardens be empowered 
f£ to set for life or years, any room or place in the 
fr backmost three seats on the north-east side, but not 
“ more than three in each seat.” 

1672. “ 30 Nov r —Time out of Mind there hath 

“ been three Market da}s for Flesh, Tuesday, Thurs- 
t£ day, and Saturday, which have been constantly 
“ used and kept as only days for sale of flesh ; but 
“ several Butchers, being Burgesses, have of late 
brought and sold on Fridays, the Market day for 
“ selling corn and other sort of victuals, flesh excepted, 
£f after being warned by theMaior, two Burgesses were 
(f disfranchised,” 

What could have induced so strange an enactment, and such an 
arbitrary enforcement of it, conjecture is set a£ defiance to conceive; 
particularly as Friday was the day, and the only one appointed by 
charter, on which a Market was to be held. If one day of the week 
was more desirable for the sale of “Flesh ” than another, surely it 
was that on which the “ sellers of corn and other sort of victuals ” 
were here to buy it. It so happened, that four years after this a 
Butcher filled the office of Mayor. Query,—was there any rivalship 
in the case ? 

1674. “ Jany 18.—Ordered, that a prosecution be 

“ commenced against the waterbailiff of Ilfracombe, 
“ for making a free burgess pay dues.” 

1677. “ Maior, Aldermen, and Common Council, 

“ appoint Christopher, Duke of Albemarle, to raise 
“ Trained Bands, to choose their own officers, and 
£C receive orders only from the King or his Deputy,” 


1684. Aug. 26.—The Corporation served with 

<r a Writ of Quo Warranto; they surrendered their 
' f Charter in September, but had it restored to them 

in October.” 

A heavy fine was doubtless exacted as the price of its restoration 
by the despotic Charles ; but even then Barnstaple fared no worse 
than most, and ranch better than some other Corporation Towns. 
Not even the city of London was exempt from being deprived of its 
Charter, (in 1683,) “ which was only restored," as one of our 
historians observes, “ upon terms of the utmost submission." 

Average produce of Market Tolls during this reign, 
18/. 8s. 

tc Paid the Searchers of the Market, and for a 
“ Treat to the Clerk of the Market , 1/. 5s. 0 d” 

Not the Mayor of course, as is the case now. 

In the margin of the ic Extracts from the Accounts 
“ of the Receivers, Bailiffs, and Mayors, from which 
I am now culling, is written, under this date, “ First 
“ Maior’s Accot” 


James II. 

1687. " Jany 29.—An Order in Council was 
" made for removing the two Aldermen, the Deputy 
fie Recorder, eight of the Common Council, and the 
“ Town Clerk, from their offices.” 

1688. May 18.—An Order in Council for the 
‘ f removal of all the Corporation,” in consequence of 
their perverse temper in disputing his Majesties 
rr mandate.” 

Money for 3 montlPs assessment for the penny 
“ halfpenny, Key Hall, Crane, and Yarn Beam, 
<f 1/. 10s. Do 21. 5s. Money paid John Brock, Jun r 




303 


“ for half the Pound Rate for the Key Hal!, &c. 
“ 21. Os. 9 d.” 

This is the first mention of Taxes on the Town Dues. 


William and Mary. 

1639. The following Corporators, being two short 
of the full number, took the Oath of Allegiance to 
William and Mary at the Revolution: “ Richard 
“ Barnes, Mayor; Henry Ravening, Hugh Marshall, 
Aldermen ; William Westcombe, Arthur Ackland, 
' r John Palmer, Richard Salisbury, John Stevins, 
“ William Wakeman, John Peard, John Blake, John 
rr Prideaux, Christopher Hunt, Nicholas Cook, 
Thomas Seldon, James Kimpland, James Kimp- 
t{ land, Jun., John Hunt, Jeffery Bagelhole, John 
" Law, Thomas Harris, George Fairchild ; Edward 
€e Rosier, Town Clerk ; William Rayner, Master of 
the Free Grammar School.” 

When, after the landing of the Prince of Orange in 
Torbay, his proclamation was brought to Barnstaple, 
a number of the inhabitants assembled for the purpose 
of learning its contents at a house, now the Fortescue 
Arms; but so great and so general was the dread which 
the recent executions of Monmouth and his adherents 
had inspired, that for some time no one could be found 
bold enough to publish the contents of the instrument 
to the meeting; at length one of the company took 
courage, and jumping on a table, read the procla¬ 
mation aloud. 


304 


1689. March 24.—The Bye Laws of the Corpo¬ 
ration agreed on. 

These “ statutes and ordinances ” have mostly grown into disuse, 
some are acted upon, and others might be with good effect, but the 
code will bear revision, as will be seen by the abstract of it given in 
the Appendix [c.] 

" A fine of 20/. imposed on Richard Cole for refu- 
sing to take oaths and execute the office of Capital 
Burgess.” 

1693. ff Paid one year’s Tax to the King of 4s. in 
the pound for the Farms of the Town., [Quay Dues, 

tr &c.] 6/. 10^.” 

1694. Fearing a Quo Warranto, the Corporation 
again surrender their Charter.” 

1696. “ Paid Palmer and Pope for the Pound 
“ Tax, 41. 105.” 

1697. “ Paid the King’ Taxes for the 3 Quarters , 
“ 13 /. 105. I-c/.” 

1698. The following important {t order in council” 
was made by nineteen of the Corporation, That no 
“ buns be gived away by the Maior, nor any allowance 
“ be made to him.” 

Reed 0 f Mr. James Sloley, Serjt Hawkes, and 
others, for the Key Hall, Penny-halfpenny, Crane, 
and Yarn Beam, and laying Dung', &c. 118/. 125.” 
tc Scavenger’s Salary, 1/. 85.” 

1699. The above dues and Fishery for one year, 
" 112/. 15. 6c/.” 

€C Reed one year’s Rent of the Wast Ground at 
" Litchdon, 1/. I 5 ., and for Wast Ground at the 
“ Castle, 1/.” 


30* 


1701. “ Mr. Thos Harris’ Mayoralty, building 
“ the Mill-end Quay cost 56/. 4s. 7 id.” 

On the erection of this Quay, a Stone was fixed on it. bearing the 
following Inscription: “ This is the Union Quay, Thomas Harris, 
Mayor, 1701.” The stone is now on the Top of the Leaping-stock 
at the end of the Long Bridge; I have not been able to discover 
why the Appellation “ Union” was applied to it. 

Penny-halfpenny, where mentioned separately, ave¬ 
raged about 26/. in this reign. 

Ann. 

1702. (Mayor’s Account.) “ To Cash for the 
€€ whole Farms, 131/. 16s.” 

Paid half a yeare Land Tax for the Farms, 41. 105.” 

1708. “ Jacob Palmer not having taken the sacra- 

“ ment after notice of election to office of Capital 
“ Burgess, was fined 40/. Present, the Mayor, Al- 
“ dermen, and most of the Common Council. The 
“ said Jacob Palmer was afterwards sworn into office.” 

The fine here mentioned appears to have been remitted—not so 
the Penalty —that of being compelled to profane the most holy 
ordinance ever instituted by God for the use of Man , to a secular 
purpose. That such unhallowed Laws as the Test and Corporation 
Ads should have ever existed, will be a disgrace to England as long 
as the Memory of the statutes shall live. 

1711. “ Reed for wast Ground atLitchdon, 1/. 25. 

“ and for the Fishery, 1/. 65 .” 

1713. “ Octr 2.—The Rt Hon. George, Lord 

“ Lansdowne, Baron of Bitheford, Treasurer of her 

Majesty’s most Honourable Privy Council, and also 
“ one of the Burgesses of the Borough and Parish, was 

duly elected High Steward thereof, in the room of 


306 


“ the Rt Hon. Christopher, Duke of Albemarle, (hi* 
“ Lordship's Kinsman,) deceased.” 

“ Octr 10.—John Bassett, Esq. was elected Re- 
“ corder and sworn.” 

Average of penny-halfpenny in this reign, about 34/. 

George I. 

1715. Scavenger's Salary, 2/. 105. 

1718. Waste Ground at Litchdon, 1/. 135. 

1719. “ Paid four quarters Pound Tax, 10/. 105.; 
<£ Land Tax, Poor Rates, &c. 41. 155. 10c/.'* First 
mention made of Poor Rates. 

44 Barnestaple fs.” ) 

1724. 44 Sept r * 26th.) Ordered by the Mayor, 

“ Aldermen, and Capital! Burgesses, in the Guildhall, 
44 in Common Councell assembled, upon Complaint 

made of the grievous abuse and damage done to the 
“ Tables, Forms, Pewter, plate, and other goods of the 
" Corporation, by lending them out to divers people 
44 of the Town. That the said Corporation Goods be 
44 not from henceforward lent out by the Mayor for the 
44 Time being, or used by any person whatsoever, 
44 (other than for the Mayor's use or for the use of the 
44 Corporation,) without the consent of the Mayor, 
44 Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, or the major 
44 part of them in Common [solemn] Council assern- 
44 bled.” Signed by the Mayor and 15 Com. Coun. 

1727. 44 At a Court of Common Councell, held 

44 &c. on Wednesday the 19th day of July, anno Dorn. 
44 1727, It is ordered and agreed as follows: That the 


307 


“ Major, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, doe now 
‘ c proceed, pursuant to notice given, to an election of 
a Capital Burgess of this Borough, in the Roome of 
<f one Thomas Harris, lately ousted by Judgement of 
“ Law, and that the Corporation doe stand by the 
Cf legality of such election, at the expence of the said 
“ Corporation, ifany question should arise thereupon.” 
Signed by the Mayor and 14 Com. Coun. 

Thomas Harris was not it seems finally “ ousted he was Mayor 
in 1773. 

1727. “ At a Court &c. held this second day of 

Oct** Anno Dom. 1727, it is ordered as follows: 
“ Whereas, a writ of Mandamus issued out of his 
“ Majesty’s Court of King’s Bench, hearing Teste 
the 21st day of June last past, directed to the Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Capitall Burgesses of the Borough of 
“ Barnstaple, commanding them to swear and admit 
“ Richard Snow into the office of one of the Capitall 
“ Burgesses ; it is ordered that the suite on such vvritt 
of Mandamus be defended with effect at the cost and 
gi charges of the Corporation, and that a warrant of 
“ Attorney, under the ..Seal of the Corporation, he 
iC given to Mr. Lewis Gregory, Town Clerk of Barn- 
“ staple, their Attorney, to defend such suite.” 

This year also the Corporation had to defend an 
action brought against them for a Trespass on the 
Castle Hill. (See p. 21. 

Average of Penny-halfpenny in this reign, 31/. 3s. 


2 it 


308 


George II. 

1730. 44 Building the Wall across the Gutt from 

Mr. Tucker’s Limekiln to Lichdon,and making the 
“ Square, and planting the Trees, and paving the 
“ Road, cost 230/. 6s. 2d. ; the money was partly 
“ paid by the Corporation, and partly by a subscrip- 
“ tion made by the Inhabitants.” 

This money was certainly well laid out; but few persons in the pre¬ 
sent day would have fixed this Improvement at so comparatively 
recent a date. It is surprising that a spot of ground surrounded by 
Houses as it had been for centuries previous to this time, and of 
necessity a considerable thoroughfare, should have been so long 
suffered to remain a muddy beach, with an open sewer running 
through it. 

1738. Portraits of the following individuals were 
placed in the Guildhall: “ Henry Beavis, Mayor; 
44 Rob* Incledon, James Steed,Clerk, Richard Newell, 
44 Thomas Harris, Paul Tucker, John Fraine, Roger 
44 Chappie, Charles Wright, Marshall Swayne, William 
44 Lantrow, John Swayne, Robt Luck, Clerk, Master 
44 of Grammar School, (on South side of Hall) George 
44 Wickey, Mayor elect; Richard Merwin, Deputy 
44 Recorder; Charles Velley, John Gayton, Samuel 
44 Thomson, Clerk, Vicar; Samuel Berry, Richard 
44 Knight, Alexander Webber, Matthew Roch, John 
44 Baker, Robert King, Mark Slee, Charles Marshall, 
44 Nicholas Glass, George Score, Henry Wickey, Henry 
4 ‘ Drake, Gregory Anthony, (on the North side).” 

These were not, of course, all belonging to 
the Corporation, but the whole, with one excep- 


309 


tion,* were presented to that body by the sitting Mem¬ 
bers for the Borough. The likenesses, which were 
considered good ones, were painted by Hudson, who 
was supposed to have been assisted in the work by 
Sir Joshua Reynolds, who studied under Mr. Hudson. 

A most ridiculous and utterly unfounded story has gone abroad, 
that the Corporation had the choice given them of having their 
portraits taken, or the river Taw made navigable for vessels of 
larger burden than have ever been able to pass it. I have taken 
some pains to ascertain if there was any ground for charging 
them with so monstrous a folly, as that of preferring their own 
pictures before so great a public benefit, and am perfectly satisfied 
that there never existed the least. I should be one of the last to 
vindicate such conduct, had the imputation been deserved.t The 
fiction was given to the world in a novel, called the “ Curate of 
Coventry,” by a Clergyman named Potter. 

* That of tbe Uev. Samuel Thomson, who died in 1734; this 
divine had been very highly respected by his parishioners, and his 
relatives being at this time in possession of his likeness, it was 
placed iu the Town Hall by the Corporation, as a mark of respect 
to his memory. 

t 1 would fain record a verdict of * not guilty * to a charge very 
similar, but of more recent date, especially as it affects the Ladies 
of Barnstaple. 

It is well known to be customary for the successful Candidates 
at an Election, to give a Ball at the Assembly Rooms: it is always 
done on a liberal scale, and of course involves considerable expense. 
After the last Election, (June, 1826,) it was proposed to forego 
the Ball, and apply the sum which the entertainment might be 
expected to cost, in flagging Boutport Street. Mr. Alexander was 
said to have offered 200/. towards this desirable object, and his 
colleague, Mr. Hodgson, on being informed of what was in contem¬ 
plation, an equal sura or more, should it be found requisite. A 
writer in the North Devon Journal gives this statement, and 
adds,—“ A few females, however, exerted, and were unfortunately 


310 


1741. Paid Highway Rates, (first mentioned,) 

1)5. 8d. 

1751. “ Reed of John Parkin clear, 24 i. 11s. after 

‘ r the usual allowance (Is. per quarter), and 15s. for 

the days lost, in all 25/. 10s. for a year’s rent of the 
“ Penny Halfpenny.” 

The Right Honourable Matthew, Earl Fortescue, 
Baron Fortescue of Castle Hill, was elected High 
Steward of the Borough, in the room of Hugh, Earl 
Clinton, deceased. 

1753. Paid Church Rates, 3s. 2 \d. First mention 
of this rate. 

1755 Richard Parminter, Esq. chosen Deputy 
Recorder, in the room of Robert Incledon, Esq. who 
resigned. 

found to posses sufficient influence to set aside the intended plan of 
improvement, and the ephemera of an evening was substituted 
for the lasting benefit which would have accrued. Can this be a 
true statement 1 perhaps your next Journal will inform ns.” I 
know nothing of the writer of the Article from which I have been 
quoting, but can slate of my own knowledge that the circumstance 
which is here publicly brought forward, had got abroad even before 
the Ball in question took place, nor did I ever bear of any attempt 
being made to contradict it. 

I could have wished that this “ Memorial ” had not been left to 
be recorded ; but it is registered in the hope that as atonement 
may yet be made, the first opportunity of making it will be em¬ 
braced. Elections are frequent; let but the cost of one Ball be 
appropriated in the way before proposed, and the reproach will be 
wiped away. The sacrifice will not be great ; for assuredly had 
Mr. Beresford ever been present at an Election Ball, (especially in 
the month of June,) he would have classed it among his catalogue 
of “ Miseries.” 


31 i 


1756. Robert Incledon, Esq. elected Deputy Re¬ 
corder, in the room of Richard Parminter, Esq. de¬ 
ceased. 

1758. Benjamin Incledon, Esq. elected Recorder, 
in the room of John Bassett, Esq. deceased. 

1759. John Short, Esq. sworn into the office of 
Deputy Recorder, in the room of Robert Incledon, 
Esq. deceased. Mr. Short was at the same time pre¬ 
sented with the Freedom of the Borough. 

1759. “ Wast Ground at Litchdon*' let at 10s. 

“ Great Farm, Sheep Market, and Penny-half- 
“ penny, for one year, 139Z.” 

Average of Penny-halfpenny in reign of George II. 

9J71. bs. 

George III. 

1765. This year was remarkable for the death of 
four Capital Burgesses, namely, W. II. Drake, Henry 
Wickey, John Deane, and Richard Knight. 

“ Received of Edwd Perry, Penny-halfpenny, 33/.” 

1766. Cash received for the Rent of the Great 
“ Farm, 75Z.” 

1774. This year did not prove a very profitable one 
to the Corporation, neither did their conduct, in some 
instances, add any lustre to their name. 

I am indebted to a venerable relative, (Mr. William 
Besly, now verging on his eightieth 3 ear,) formerly an 
extensive and highly respected woollen manufacturer 
in this town, but who has been long resident in a 
neighbouring county, for an account of the efforts made 
by the Corporation about this period, to cramp the 


312 


most flourishing branch of commerce then existing 
here; I mean not to say that such was their object, 
but that this was the effect of their policy, whilst their 
unreasonable and, as it ultimately proved, illegal de¬ 
mand was enforced, is obvious. 

As the statement furnishes some interesting inform¬ 
ation relative to the state of the manufacturing trade of 
Barnstaple at this time, I give it with scarcely any 
abridgment in the narrator’s own words. I should 
mention, however, that it was sent me in the form of 
answers to questions proposed by me. 

4f About the year 1774, I began to make baize, 
44 then the principal manufacture of the town ; the 
<c trade was also carried on by several of the Corpo- 
44 ration, who of course were all free, and bound by 
44 their oaths to uphold the rights and privileges of 
44 the body. [They were not exempt from yarn-beam 
dues.] 

44 When I commenced baize-making, I attended the 
44 Yarn market on Friday mornings, at eleven o’clock, 
44 where I met all who were concerned in the trade. 

1 soon found that the Market was not the place for 
44 me to purchase at, as nearly all baize-makers were 
“ free, and bought all the best yarn before the market 
began, by sending round to the different public 
44 houses. When I found out this, I commenced pur- 
44 chasing yarn at my own house, which stood at the 
44 end of Pilton Bridge, where the greatest part of the 
4f yarn passed. I went on for a considerable time 
pretty quietly, but at last I was threatened, and a 
“ great stir was made.” [No wonder, for it not only 


313 


lessened the dues of the Corporation, but affected the 
private interest of several individuals amongst them.] 
“ My being young at that time, and much averse to 
“ law, I offered to enter into a bond not to buy any 
“ yarn before the market, but they only laughed at 
“ nie. My business was now considerable, and I pur- 
€e chased all the yarn I could lay my hands on ; they 
“ actually sent the Beadle down to my door to order 
“ the country people to carry the yarn to the market, 
<€ yet as soon as the persons had turned the corner into 
High-street, the servants of ” **** [Corporators and 
others] ff would buy the yarn and weigh it at home. 

“ Of the quantity of yarn brought to the Town it is 
“ difficult for me to judge now ; I have bought in an 
hour and half full 30/. worth. 

“ The charge for weighing used to be, to tradesmen 
<r 4d.j to the country 5 d. per stone, upwards of a far- 
“ thing per pound—a vile imposition ; at Crediton, 
where there were large quantities of yarn weighed, 
“ and of greater value, a charge of only Is. per pack 
“ of 252 lbs. was made. I have been given to under- 
“ stand that the yarn-beam brought in 40/. per annum. 

The consequence of Mr. Besly’s perseverance in the 
same course pursued by members of the corporate 
body and others, namely, that of weighing their own 
goods at their own scales, was, that an action was 
brought against him, which, being decided in his favor, 
of course did away with the Yarn Beam * 


* It will be seen on reference to the Bye Laws, [App, c.] that 
there was one which imposed a penalty on persons buying yarn 


314 


ff After this, the Corporation smuggled up a petition, 
tf by applying to get it signed by a few persons, who 
“ they hoped would keep the secret, for an Act to 
“ embody all their dues. With this petition the town- 
“ clerk and another person set off in a post-chaise, 
“ hoping to get it presented to the House of Commons, 

before it was known in Barnstaple that such a scheme 
“ was in contemplation ” 

The departure of these gentlemen was quickly 
known, and by extraordinary activity on the part of 
two individuals, Mr. Hole, a land-surveyor, and Mr. 
Irwin, a draper, a counter petition was prepared , 
signed , carried to London , and presented to the 
House of Commons before the arrival of the town- 
clerk and his companion; who, to their astonishment, 
were informed by Mr. Cleveland, on whom they waited 
with their petition, that Messrs. Hole and Irwin were 
before them, and had succeeded in getting a petition 
against the proposed Act <c laid on the table ” of the 
House. One party passed through Salisbury, whilst 
the other was taking a comfortable nap. The Corpo¬ 
ration were foiled in their object, no Act was obtained. 

A copy of this curious petition was in my hands 
long before I had any certain clue to its origin. From 
the execution of the copy, I suspect it to have been 
officially taken; if I am right, there can be no doubt 
of iCs correctness. 


without weighing it at the Town Beam; but this availed nothing 
on the trial. This law was deficient in one very important requi¬ 
site prescribed by tlie Charter, it was not “reasonable.” 


315 


“ Copy. Petition of the Corporation of Barnes- 
u taple to Parliament, on Thursday the 24th Feby 
“ 1774. 

“ The Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bur- 
gesses of the Borough and Parish of Barnestaple, 
“ was presented to the House and read.—Setting forth, 
“ that the Town of Barnestaple is a very ancient 
<( Borough and Port; and that the Burgesses of the 
“ said Borough have been for time immemorial, and 
“ still are, a Corporation, and in right therofthey are 
te seized in fee of Lands, and have time immemorially 
“ received the rents, issues, and profitts thereof, as 
ff also of an Estate called the Town Farms, distin- 
€i guished by the titles of Great Farms, Penny-half- 
u penny, Sheep Market, Tolsery, and Bushelage, 
<( consisting of small customary dues or payments, and 
also of small fines, which said dues and fines are 
“ paid by persons not being free Burgesses, or other- 
“ wise customarily exempted. And that the Petition- 
“ ers and their predecessors have repaired, sustained, 
“ and maintained many edifices and Buildings within 
“ the Borough and Parish, made use of by persons 
<f trading to or from the said Port, or frequenting the 
if Markets and Fairs within the said Borough and 
“ Parish. And that the yearly Revenues of the said 
ic Corporation, exclusive of the Town Farms, are very 
“ inconsiderable, consisting mostly of small highrents 
Cf for houses, held of them by lease for long terms of 
“ years, and the accidental fines arising from such 
“ leases, which are by no means sufficient for the 
“ purposes intended. And that in some years the 
2s 


316 


ff damages done to the Quays and Publick Buildings 
“ have been so sudden and great by the Tide and high 
winds, that moneys have been borrowed from time 
“ to lime for the support and maintenance thereof, 

“ and of other Buildings ; that the Quays alone cost 
“ them last year much more than all the certain annual 
“ income of their revenue, and in all probability will 
“ be attended with further considerable expense, it 
“ being at this time necessary to enlarge some of the 
“ Quays, and build a wall, or make other conveniences 
for keeping out the tide. And that at present the 
“ weekly markets are held in High Street, under large 
“ penthouses or sheds fixed to the Houses, which extend 
so far over the said Streets, as to become a great 
“ nuisance, and very inconvenient to passengers, and 
ought to be entirely taken away or reduced consider- 
“ ably ; to remedy which the Petitioners are desirous, 
if their estates and dues shall be sufficient, and are 
confirmed to them, to build a Market place for the 
sale of Butcher’s meat near the High Street, for the 
4f convenience of the Town and Country. And that a 
“ considerable sum must now be laid out on the several 
works and Buildings aforesaid, besides the money 
“ already expended thereon. And that it will be 
necessary for the petitioners to borrow and take up 
“ a sum of money on the credit of their estates, farms, 
‘ f tolls, and dues, for the purposes aforesaid. And 
therefore pray, that for making the tolls and 
“ dues an unquestionable security to the lenders, they 
“ may be at liberty to bring a bill for confirming to 
“ them and their successors, the said Farms, Estate, 


337 


<4 antient Tolls anti dues,, so immemorially received 
“ by the Petitioners ; and for building a market place 
tf in the said Town, and enlarging the said Quays and 
(< other the purposes aforesaid. And that they may 
4f be at liberty to borrow and take up at Interest a sum 

of money on the credit of the said Farms, Estates, 

Tolls, and Dues, in manner before set forth, for the 
u Publick uses and purposes aforesaid.” 

After all that is here said of the necessity of enlarging 
the Quays, keeping out the tide , See. See , it is plain 
that the principal thing the Corporation had in view, 
was the “ confirming,” and perhaps increasing, “ their 
fC tolls and dues.” Had the improvement of the town 
been their object, why go so secretly to work? The 
following extract from a case submitted to counsel in 
June, 1774, may throw some further light on the 
subject: “ About six years since, one of the Butchers 
tf refused payment of his Toll [three pence per week]. 
tf About four years after his refusal the Corporation 
“ commenced an action for it, but soon after withdrew 
“ or stopped such action, and discontinued their de- 
“ maud of it from him. In 1774, several other 
tr Butchers refused payment of this Toll, whereupon, 
tc fresh actions were commenced and are now de- 
iC pending.” 

Whether or no any trial took place, I cannot learn ; 
but it was certainly a strange proceeding on the part of 
the Corporation, to endeavour privately to procure 
such an Act of Parliament, at the very time when they 
were, and had been for six years, hesitating if they 
should enforce payment of the tolls, they thus sought 


318 


the aid of the legislature to cf confirm to them and 
‘ f their successors.” 

1787. The following presentment was made by 
the Grand Jury at the Michaelmas Sessions ; We 
“ present the Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Bur- 

gesses, of this Borough, for not keeping in repair 
46 the ancient Town Hall, the Plaistering of the roof 
“ thereof being in so dangerous a condition, that his 
“ Majesty’s liege subjects [their Worships of course 
e< among the rest] are in great danger to enter it.” 

1789. “ The Corporation purchased of the Trus- 

" tees of Lord and Lady Radnor's Marriage Settle- 
“ merit, a certain fee farm rent of 45. payable out of 
“ certain premises in Barum, for 5/. 12 s. 6c/.” 

This year, in consequence of the refusal of a trades¬ 
man of the town, named Lathy, to pay Quay-dues, the 
Corporation sued him and gained a verdict; thus 
establishing* their right to impose the dues. Mr. 
Lathy was supported in his opposition to the Corpo¬ 
ration by another individual, Mr. Bow hay, the ex¬ 
penses attending the trial were 70/. to each of them. 

Mr. Lathy, who had previously purchased the free¬ 
dom of Newport,* Monmouthshire, now sought to 
obtain that of London, which occasioned the following 
letter to be addressed to the Lord Mayor of the city: 

“ My Lord,—I do myself the honour, as Chief 
“ Magistrate, to address your Lordship on behalf of 

* This .Borough, I believe, like Barnstaple and some other Towns, 
gives to resident burgesses an exemption from Tolls in other places. 
Mr.L. failed, from his not residing there, to establish his claim to free¬ 
dom from tolls here,on the ground of his being a freeman of Newport. 


319 


14 the Corporation of the antient Borough of Barnsta- 
“ pie, whose privileges have lately been attempted to 
“ be infringed by an inhabitant of this Town, claiming 
44 an exemption from payment of Quay dues, which, 
“ by our very antient records, appear to have been 
4f paid for ages. This man, whose name is Nicholas 
“ Lathy, was for a trifling sum sworn a Burgess of the 
f< little Borough of Newport, in Monmouthshire, on 
“ which he founded his exemption ; but the verdict of 
“ a special Jury before Lord Kenyon, at the last Assizes 
“ for the County of Devon, convinced Mr. Lathy, to 
“ his cost, that he was in an error. 

44 I find he is now advised by some friend, to attempt 
“ to get the freedom of the City of London, which he 
44 says may be obtained for about twenty-five guineas. 
44 From your Lordship’s known veneration for the 
44 Constitution of this Kingdom, and regard for the 
“ welfare of all useful and public bodies, I hope your 
46 Lordship will not countenance an application of this 
54 sort, which, if made, will be done with a manifest 
44 intention of injuring the Revenue of this Corpo- 
44 ration, which is at present so small, that it will 
44 scarcely support the Quays and Publick Buildings. 

44 I have the Honour to be, &c.” 

(Signed by the Mayor.) 
44 Barnstaple, 29 November, 1789.” 

The 44 known veneration ” of the Lord Mayor of 
London 44 for the Constitution,” was a singular plea to 
urge for his Lordship’s acting as he was here called 
upon to do. If Mr. Lathy, by becoming a freeman 
of the City, could have been legally exempted from 


320 


dues here or elsewhere, it would have ill-accorded 
with the spirit of the constitution of England, for two 
public bodies to have coalesced against him, in order 
to prevent his doing so. 

That our Corporation supposed that such an ex¬ 
emption might be purchased, is evidenced by their 
seeking in the way they did to prevent Mr. Lathy’s 
obtaining it ; they might however have spared them¬ 
selves making such an application, residence being 
necessary to the full participation in the rights of free¬ 
dom, as well in London as elsewhere.* 

The Lord Mayor’s reply, dated Dec. 6, 1789, briefly 
stated his intention to lay the letter “ before the first 
<f Court of Aldermen.” 

1 am not in possession of any further information 
relative to this business. 

Some time subsequent to this, but I do not know 
the precise year, Mr. Irwin, the individual already 
mentioned, determined to try the question with the 
Corporation, if he was bound to pay them a yearly 
sum (in addition to Quay-dues) by way of license, for 
carrying on his business in the town, lie not being 
tree. He brought his action and succeeded, which put 
an end to fines “ for opening Shop Wyndows of them 

who are not burgesses of this Towne.” 

I have already remarked, that the right of the Com¬ 
mon Council to elect honorary burgesses has been dis- 

* The borough of Newport is, to a certain extent, an exception to 
this rule, inasmuch as the Charter grants the same privileges 
to the inhabitants of several neighbouring Towns therein named, as 
it gives to the burgesses of Newport. 


32 L 


puled ; I did not however imagine, when the allusions 
I have made to the subject were penned, that the lega¬ 
lly of such elections would be so soon, and in such a 
decided and persevering manner called in question, as 
it has since been. 

1830. This year will be marked by future gene¬ 
rations ofBarumites, as an important era in the annals 
of the Common Council, as well as of the freemen at 
large, as the question must now be brought to an 
issue, whether the capital burgesses have or have not 
the right of creating honorary freemen; whether such 
a power is henceforward to be exercised by twenty-five 
individuals, self-elected out of a corporation of six hun¬ 
dred, or by the whole body in conjunction. 

1 must now dismiss the subject, as to enter on it at 
any length, would, in the present state of the proceed¬ 
ings, be useless, and perhaps unfair. That any legal 
decision of the point in dispute will take place before 
the publication of this work, is not probable ; if how¬ 
ever, this should be the case, an impartial statement of 
the affair shall be given from its commencement to 
the final issue. 

It is enacted by the Charter of Philip and Mary, 
[see clause n, App. i] that if any Capital Burgess 
“ shall die or out of the said Borough shall dwell” 
See. that it shall be lawful “ within eight days next 
“ after the death or amotion of the said Burgess,” 
to elect “ one other person ” &c. The bye-laws also 
appoint, [see No. 5, App. c.] that “ upon the death or 
“ moving of any of the chief Burgesses ” their places 
shall be filled up ; the time for doing this is however 


322 


extended to within “ fourteen days before the election 
rs of the next Mayor.” 

It is plain that the Corporation is bound to comply 
with the provision of the Charter, as to making the 
election, though with respect to the precise time for 
doing it, the license given by the bye-laws (which 
cannot, notwithstanding, contravene the Charter,) is 
an unobjectionable one, and might therefore be allowed, 
but the filling up vacant places ought certainly not to 
be dispensed with. 

At present, and for many years past, the practice in 
this Borough, has been to supply the places of such 
Capital Burgesses as may die, according to the regu¬ 
lations of the bye-laws, (saving that it has not been 
usual of late to elect “ one other of the Burgesses of 
€e the said Borough and Parish.”) But it is notorious 
that vacancies, caused by the removal from the town of 
members of the body corporate, are not filled up, there 
being at this time, and having been for many years 
past, five non-residents, who are still considered as be¬ 
longing to the Common Council; two reside ten or 
twelve miles from Barnstaple, two at a less distance, 
and one in the County of Kent. 

Does it amount to a query whether or no either of 
these gentlemen is capable of performing a legal act 
in the Corporation ? Let us suppose them not compe¬ 
tent to do this, and that one of them takes a part in 
electing a Mayor, (no very unlikely occurrence,) it 
follows that the election would be illegal, and as a 
matter of course that every deed performed by a 
Magistrate so appointed by virtue of his office, must be 


323 


void in law. It is certainly both just and necessary 
that the members of a public body appointed for the 
government of a town, should inhabit the jurisdiction 
over which they are placed ; not, certainly, to their 
own injury or inconvenience, but when a removal, 
from whatever cause, takes place, why not appoint a 
new officer ? If it be lawful to omit filling up vacan¬ 
cies happening in this way, it is equally so as to those 
caused by death, (the same provision being made for 
either contingency,) and we know not to what extent 
the practice might be carried. That the present mode 
of proceeding would not stand the test of a Quo 
Warranto, is pretty evident; the Corporation will, 
perhaps, see it right to return to the regular method 
in future. 

By the Charter of James, [see clause ee. App. J.] 
the property to be held by the Corporation is limited 
to “ sixty pounds per annum,* beyond all charges and 
reprises.f” Putting the most favorable construction 


* We can only attribute this cavilier treatment of the Corporate 
Body by King James, to some great dislike or suspicion he enter¬ 
tained towards them. Charles II., incensed as he was against the 
inhabitants of Taunton, after demolishing the walls of the Town, 
and depriving the Burgesses of their Charter for seventeen years, 
allowed them in a new Charter which he granted, to hold Lands to 
the clear annual value of 300/, per annum. 

t Reprises (fr. Resumption, a taking back) is used for deduct- 
tions and payments out of a manor or lands, as Rent Charges, 
Annuities, &c. And therefore, when we speak of the clear yearly 
value of a manor or estate of land, we say it is so much per annum 
ultra Reprisas, besides all Reprises.— Jacob s Law Diet. 

2 T 


324 


possible on this stipulation, it goes to deprive the 
Corporation of the power of accumulating property, 
and, of course, to render it obligatory on them to expend 
their whole income for the public benefit. It was, how¬ 
ever, no doubt intended, by the wording of the clause 
in question, to restrict the Corporation from becoming 
possessors of property above the value mentioned. 

The following statement will shew pretty nearly the 
present yearly receipts of the Corporation. 1 do not 
pledge myself for its entire correctness, but believe the 
Amount will not be found less than I have fixed it at. 


£ s. d. 

Castle Inn, Rent of. 20 0 0 

Workhouse.*25 0 0 

Barrack Inn .21 0 0 

Warehouse in Anchor Lane .... GOO 
Thirty-four Butchers’Shops, at 8/. each 272 0 0 

Two Shops under Front of Guildhall . 20 0 0 

Mill-end Quay (by North Walk) . . 25 0 0 

Castle Quay (lets from 8/. to 12/.) say . f 10 0 0 


Ground Rent of Litchdon Terrace, Four 

Houses, at 42 s . S 8 0 

Old Chief Rents, Sec. on sundry Lands 

ami Tenements, about.+40 0 0 

Carried over. 447 8 0 

* Not 20/. ns stated at page 161. 

t Tbis Quay is now in hand ; but the increased produce of the 
Castle Manor Tolls this year (11/.) may he placed as a set off 
against it. 

+ This sum may not be relied on as correct; it cannot,however, 
he much out of the way. Abcut forty years since, the receipts 







325 


£ s. cL 

Brought up. 447 8 0 

Land Tax redeemed, income from . . 42 9 10 

Produce from Castle Manor (see p. 17) 1C6 i 9| 

Ditto of “ Great Farm,” or Quay Dues *140 0 0 

Chief Rents, Manor of Hog’s Fee . . 1 14 0J 

tTonnnge duty of vessels lying at the Quay 30 0 0 

£827 14 2J 

I pretend not to be fully acquainted with the manner 
in which this income is disposed of; but my knowledge 
of the affairs of the Corporation extends quite far enough 
to satisfy me that it is legitimately applied ; and feel¬ 
ing this conviction, I hold it but common justice to 
express it, particularly as I know that the tide of popu¬ 
lar opinion runs counter to such a belief. I speak, 
however, of things as they are, not as they were ; 
wolves have occasionally got into the flock, and it is 
acknowfeded by members of the present body, that 
some of the accounts of former, (but not very distant) 
periods, will not bear inspection. 


from this source were from 50/. to 69/.; but many items which 
were then included under the above term, are not now received. 

* This produced last year 157/., the previous year 165/. There 
lias been no competition lately for the office of quay-master, as the 
renter of the dues is termed, or no doubt a greater rent would be 
obtained. 

t The whole produce of this impost, is annually expended in 
clearing away the soil which constantly accumulates within the 
river line of the Quays, to which purpose it is applied by the Clerk 
of the Customs, without being brought into the corporation accounts. 



326 


The lands held by the Corporation are of compara¬ 
tively trifling value, but their property in houses is very 
considerable, though they derive at present scarcely 
any benefit from them, the whole, with the exception 
of what are mentioned in the foregoing statement, 
being out on lease. It was customary, until of late, 
to renew these leases, which are mostly granted for 
sixty years, every thirty years from the commencement 
of the term, which was usually done for a very reason¬ 
able consideration, but the guardians of the property 
“ now are wiser than of yore a resolution was passed 
a few years since, and has hitherto been pretty closely 
acted up to, of letting the leases run out; this must be a 
work of time, and many years must elapse before even 
a moderate portion of the property can be made 
available. 


The following are the names of the Mayor, Aider- 
men, Common Council,* and principal Officers of the 
Corporation, at the present time, August, 1830. 


Right Hon. Earl Fortescue, High Steward. 

Richard Bremridge, Esq. Mayor. (22) 
Robert Newton Incledon, Esq. Recorder. 
Thomas Moore Stevens, Esq. Deputy Recorder. 
Robert Budd, Esq. (21) £ 

Henry Nicholls, Clerk, (17) 3 

Henry Drake, Esq. Town Clerk. (18) 


Aldermen. 


* The numbers placed against the names denote the seniority of 
standing. Those marked with an asterisk arc non-residents. 


327 


Nicholas Glass* (1) 

John Roberts, (2) 

Richard Rowe Metherell, (3) 
♦Thomas Copner* (4) 

John Pyke, (5) 

♦ Zachary Hammett Drake, (6) 

♦ Philip Bremridge* (7) 

Samuel Bremridge, (8) 

William Chapple Pawle, (9) 

John May* (10) 

Edward Richards Roberts, Mayor Elect * (11) 
♦William Law, (12) 

John Law* (13) 

♦Thomas Law, (14) 

Charles Roberts, (15) 

John Marshall, (16) 

William Law, 2nd. (19) 

♦Thomas Tardrew* (20) 

Henry Luxmoore, Vicar, (23) 

Charles Besly Gribble* (24) 

Robert Weldon Grace. (25) 


328 


APPENDIX TO CHAPTER III. 


[A.] 

J .—Plea of Quo Warranto .. 

2. —Writ and Inquisition . . 

3. — Ditto Ditto . . 

4. — Ditto Ditto . . 


— Edw. I. 
14 Edw. 3. 

17 Edw. 3. 

18 Edw. 3.* 


No. 1. 

Pleas of Quo Warranto tempore Edw. T. Roll 41 dors. 
Galfrey de Caunvyle was summoned to answer the Lord the 
King of a plea by what warranty he claims to have the view 
of Frankpledge, gallows, amending of the assize of bread 
and ale broken in Bovy Tracy, which pertain to the Crown 
of the Lord the King, without licence, &c. 

And Galfrey cometh and saitli that he holds the Manor of 
Bovy Tracy by the law of England, of the heir of William 
Martin, without whom he cannot answer to the Lord the King 
therefore; who now commeth by summons and answers toge¬ 
ther with the aforesaid Galfrey; and they say that the Manor 
of Bovy Tracy is a certain member of the same Barony of 
William de Bardestaple, to which the aforesaid liberties per¬ 
tain. And they say that all the ancestors of the said William, 
from time whereof memory is not, have used the aforesaid 
liberties; and by that warranty they claim to have the liber¬ 
ties aforesaid. And because there is nothing else whereby 


• Nos. 1, 2, and 4, are from H. JYL Record Office; as a pledge that 
the translation of No. 3 may be depended on for its correctness, 1 need 
only mention that I owe it to Mr. Oliver. 



329 


to shew warranty therefore as to judgment. And a day is 
given them to be before the Lord the King, from easter day 
in one month wheresoever &c. to hear iheirjudgment, &c. 

The same Gaifrey was summoned to answer to the Lord 
the King, of a plea by what warranty he claims to have view 
of Frankpledge, gallows, amending of the assize of bread 
and ale broken in Bardestaple, without, license, &c. 

And Gaifrey, together with the aforesaid Wiiliam, come 
and say that Bardestable is at the Barony of the aforesaid 
William, to which such liberties pertain. And that all the 
ancestors of the aforesaid William, from time of which 
memory is not, have used the aforesaid liberties. And by 
that warranty they claim the aforesaid liberties. And be¬ 
cause there is nothing else to shew warranty. Therefore as 
to judgment. And a day is given them to be before the 
Lord the King from Easter-day in one month, wheresoever 
&c. to hear their judgment. 

No. 2.* 

Edward, by the grace of God King of England and 
France and Lord of Ireland, to his beloved and faithful Hugh 
de Courteneye the younger, Hamon Dereworth, and Henry 
Power, Greeting. Know ye, that whereas lately on the 
prosecution of the Burgesses of the Town of Barnestaple, 
in the County of Devon, by their petition before us and our 
Council exhibited, beseeching us, that as the Town afore¬ 
said, from time whereof memory is not to the contrary, had 
been a free Borough, and the same Burgesses and their An¬ 
cestors, Burgesses of the Town aforesaid, had used and en¬ 
joyed divers liberties and free customs by the Charter of the 

* The reader is requested to notice, and kindly to excuse, the following 
inaccuracies, which it is necessary should be now pointed out. The 
reference from page 214 to No. 2 in this Appendix, should have been 
made to No. 3; and that to No. 3, at page 216,should have been to No. 4. 


330 


Lord Athelstan, heretofore King 1 of England, of famous 
memory, our progenitor, which to a free Borough pertain 
from the time of the making of the said Charter in this, to 
wit. that they should bequeath their tenements in the same 
Borough, in their testament in their last will, to whomsoever 
they will, and a Mayor from among themselves to elect, 
before whom ail pleas touching the said Borough and the* 
suburbs of the same, should be pleaded and determined; 
and to send to every Parliament of us and our said Ances¬ 
tors, two Burgesses for the Commonalty of the same Borough; 
and also in all taxations and subsidies to us or our progeni¬ 
tors, formerly Kings of England, by the Citizens and Bur¬ 
gesses of the same Kingdom, heretofore granted to be taxed 
by themselves, and not with foreigners, and of pontage, 
passage, murage, pavage, lastage, anchorage, standage, and 
picage, through our whole Kingdom to be hitherto quit, and 
the amending of the assize of bread and ale in the same 
Borough and in the suburbs of the same broken; and the 
assay of measures and weights: and also the tumbrel and 
pillory as they had been accustomed to have, we would more 
fully declare the liberties and free customs aforesaid by our 
Charter, and into a Charter order to be renewed; because 
the said Charter, as they affirm, is accidentally lost. And 
further, of our special grace to grant to them, that they and 
their heirs and successors, may have the full return of all 
writs of us, our heirs and successors, and summonses touch¬ 
ing the Borough aforesaid and suburbs of the same; so that 
our Sheriff of the County aforesaid, or any other Bailiff or 
Minister of us, or our Heirs, should in no wise enter that 
Borough, to do or exercise his office by reason of such writs 
or summonses in the Borough aforesaid, unless in default of 
the Ma}’or and Bailiffs of the same Borough ; and that they 
may elect and create a Coroner from among themselves by 
the writs of us and our Heirs, to do and exercise the office of 


331 


Coroner in the Borough aforesaid; and that they, their heirs 
and successors, Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, may 
have one Fair in the Borough aforesaid, in every year, for 
four days to last, that is to say, on the eve, and on the day of 
the blessed Mary Magdalene, and for two days next follow¬ 
ing; and that they may not be put with foreigners, or 
foreigners with them, on any assizes, juries, or inquisitions. 
And we being willing upon the premises more fully to be 
certified, and further to incline to the supplication of the 
same burgesses, as far as can be done without the damage 
and prejudice of us and others, as shall be meet, have as¬ 
signed our beloved and faithful Hugh de Courteneye, Earl 
of Devon, Robert de Horton, John de 8touford, and Matthew 
de Cranthorn, three and two of them to inquire by the oath 
of approved and lawful men of the county aforesaid, by 
whom the truth of the matter may be better known, in the 
presence of our sheriff of the said county, by the same Earl, 
Robert, John, and Matthew, three or two of them thereupon 
to be summoned, if the aforesaid burgesses have used and 
enjoyed the said liberties to them by the Charter of the 
aforesaid Athelstan, as is aforesaid granted from the time 
aforesaid ; and whether that Charter had been lost in form 
aforesaid; and also what damage or prejudice would hap¬ 
pen to us or any others whomsoever, if we, by our Charter, 
should grant the said liberties to the same burgesses, by the 
Charter of the aforesaid Athelstan, as they assert, granted ; 
and also the aforesaid liberties by them newly besought, as 
are above contained, to possess to them, their heirs and suc¬ 
cessors for ever. And now, as we are informed, the aforesaid 
Earl, Robert, and Matthew, are aiding to expedite divers 
our affairs in the county aforesaid and elsewhere, which they 
cannot quit to do and accomplish the premises, in the place 
of the same Earl, Robert, and Matthew, we have assigned 
von, and two of you, to take an inquisition upon the premises 

2 u 


332 


and touching- the same, together with the before named John, 
in the presence of our said sheriff, by you and the before 
named John, or two of you. 

And therefore we command you, that at certain days and 
places which you and the aforesaid John, or two of you, 
shall provide in this behalf, you diligently make inquisition 
upon the premises, and all things touching the same, and the 
same distinctly and openly made, you send to us without 
delay into our Chancery, under the seals of you or two of 
you, and the seals of those by whom it shall be made, and 
this writ. Also, we have commanded the before named 
John, that he admit you in the place of the aforesaid Earl, 
Robert and Matthew, his fellows, as is aforesaid. Also, we 
have commanded our sheriff of the county aforesaid, that at 
certain days and places which you and the aforesaid John, 
or two of you, of w hom w e will you the before named Hamon 
to be another, shall make known to him he cause to come 
before you and the before named John, or two of you, so 
many and such approved and lawful men of his bailiwick, by 
w hom the truth of the matter in the premises may be better 
know n ; and to you or two of you, of whom we w ill you the 
before named Hamon to be another, to be assistant in these 
matters. Tn witness whereof, we have caused these our 
letters to be made patent. Witness, Edw ard, Earl of Chester, 
our most dear son, Guardian of England, at Shutteleye, the 
twenty-third day of June, in the year of our reign of England 
the 14th, but of our reign of France the 1st. 

An inquisition taken before Hamon de Dyreworth and 
Henry Power, in the presence of John de Ralegh de Charles, 
Sheriff of Devon, at Southmolton, on Friday next after the 
Feast of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary, in the 
year of the reign of King Edward the 3rd, after the Con¬ 
quest, the 14th, but of the reign of France the 1st, by the 
oath of John de Luscote, Richard de Whytefeld, William de 


333 


Mellecole, Walter de Pillond, Baldewin de Ackelane, Roger 
de Frensheton, Thomas de Hele, Oliver de Ciotevvorthy, 
Richard de Cadebury, Henry atte Wode, William Gyrelis- 
ton, and Richard de Bellemont, who say, that the town of 
Barnstaple is a borough, and that the burgesses of the said 
town, sought not, nor have hitherto used to bequeath their 
tenements in the same borough in their testaments in 
their last will. And also, they say that they may elect 
a Mayor from among themselves yearly, by license of 
the Lord of the Town aforesaid. Also, they say that all 
pleas touching the said borough and suburbs, ought to be 
pleaded and determined before the Steward of the Lord of 
the said Town, and not before the Mayor of the said Town, 
nor have been hitherto so accustomed. And also, they say, 
that to every Parliament they were used to send two bur¬ 
gesses for the commonalty of the said borough. Also, they 
say, that in all taxations and subsidies heretofore granted to 
the Lord the ,King and bis progenitors, by the citizens and 
burgesses of the same kingdom, they have been, and hitherto 
were used to be taxed by the chief taxers of the county 
aforesaid and not by themselves. But whether they ought 
to be quit of pontage, passage, murage, pavage, lastage, 
anchorage, standage, and picage, throughout the whole 
kingdom, they know not. Also, they say, that the Lord of 
the Town aforesaid, bath and ought to have the amending 
of the assize of bread and ale in the same borough and 
suburbs broken; and the assay of measures and weights; 
and also the pillory and tumbrel. And that he and bis an¬ 
cestors have been accustomed to have the same, and not the 
burgesses. Also, they say, that nothing did appear to them 
from the Charter of the Lord Atlielstan, heretofore King of 
England, concerning the different liberties or customs 
aforesaid, as they affirm granted to the said burgesses or 
tlieir predecessors. Also, they say, that if the said liberties 
newly prayed, as in the commission to us directed is con- 


334 


tained, should be granted to the said burgesses or their 
successors, it will be to the damage of the Lord the King 
by tlie year £10; and to the damage of Philip de Columbar 
and Alianor his wife, and the heirs of the same Alianor by 
the year, forty marks ; and to the damage of the Abbot of 
Clyvc, by the year, forty shillings ; and to the damage of 
the Bishop of Oxford, forty shillings ; and to the damage 
of Ranulph de Blanmonster, Lord of Heanton, by the year, 
forty shillings; and to the damage of Robert Baupel, by the 
year, six shillings and eight pence; and to the damage of 
Walter de Ralegh, by the year, six shillings and eight 
pence. In witness whereof, the Jurors to the aforesaid 
Inquisition have put their seals. 

No. 3. 

Edward, by the grace of God, King of England and 
France, and Lord of Ireland, to his beloved and liege men, 
John de Stouford, Hamo de Derworthy, John de Baumfeld. 
and Richard de Hankeston, sends greeting. The burgesses 
of the town of Barnestaple, in the county of Devon, have 
been suppliants to us by their petition presented to us and 
our Council, that whereas, the town aforesaid, has been from 
time immemorial, and still is a free borough, and the same 
burgesses and their predecessors, burgesses of the town 
aforesaid, in virtue of a Charter of the Lord Athelstan, of 
famous memory, once King of England, our progenitor, 
have always hitherto used and enjoyed divers liberties and 
Iree customs which belong to a free borough from the time 
of making the Charter aforesaid, and still enjoy and use 
the same, in this respect, to wit, that they may bequeath by 
their testament and last will, their tenements in the same 
borough to whomsoever they will; and that they are accus¬ 
tomed to choose from among themselves a Mayor, before 
whom all pleas touching the said borough and suburb ought 
to be pleaded and determined; and to send two burgesses 


335 


for the commonalty of the same borough to" cash of our 
Parliaments and those of our predecessors; and to be taxed 
by themselves and not with strangers, in every taxation and 
subsidy hitherto granted to us or our progenitors, once 
Kings of England, by the citizens and burgesses of the 
same realm ; and to be quit as hitherto from pontage, pas¬ 
sage, murage, pavage, lastage, anchorage, standage, and 
picage, throughout the entire realm, and to have the assize 
of oread and beer that is made in the same borough and 

O 

suburb; and the assay of measures and weights; also a 
tumbril and pillory; and that we would be pleased to declare 
more fully by our Charter, the liberties and free customs 
aforesaid, and cause them to be reduced anew into a Charter, 
because the said Charter, as they assert, is accidentally lost ; 
and that of our special grace we would further grant unto 
them, that they and their heirs and successors may have the 
full return of all the writs of us and our heirs, and of sum¬ 
monses concerning the borough aforesaid and the suburb 
thereof, so that our sheriff of the county aforesaid, or any 
other of our bailiffs or officers, or of our heirs, should by 
no means enter that borough to do or execute his office, by 
reason of such writs or summonses in the borough aforesaid, 
unless by default of the mayor and bailiffs of the same 
borough. And that they may choose and create a coroner 
of themselves by our writs and those of our heirs, to do and 
execute the office of coroner in the borough aforesaid ; and 
that they, their heirs and successors, burgesses of the 
borough aforesaid, may have a fair in the borough aforesaid, 
every year, to last for four days, to wit, on the vigil and on 
the day of blessed Mary Magdalene and for the two days 
next ensuing; and that they be put not with strangers, nor 
strangers with them, in any sworn assizes or inquisitions* 
We, willing to be more fully informed by you of the pre¬ 
mises, and bow far consent as is fitting can be further 


336 


granted to the petition of (hose burgesses in this part, with¬ 
out loss or prejudice to us or another, have assigned you 
three, and two of you, to inquire on the oath of honest and 
liege men of the county aforesaid, by you three or by two of 
you therefore to be summoned, if the said burgesses, from 
the time aforesaid, have used and enjoyed the said liberties 
granted them by the Charter of the aforesaid Athelstan, as is 
aforesaid, and if that Charter, in the form aforesaid, has been 
lost. As also, what loss or prejudice would accrue to us or 
to any other, if we, by our Charter, should grant to them 
and their heirs and successors, the said liberties granted to 
the same burgesses, by the Charter of the aforesaid Athel¬ 
stan, as they assert, as also the liberties aforesaid asked 
anew by them above set forth, to be possessed for ever. 
And therefore we command you, that at certain days and 
places which you three or two of you shall provide for this 
purpose, you will make such inquisition upon the premises 
and what touch the same in the form aforesaid, and that 
inquisition distinctly and fitly made under your three seals, 
or under the seals of two of you, and of them by whom it 
was made, you send to us without delay, and this writ. We 
have ordered our Sheriff of the County aforesaid, that on the 
certain days and places which you three or two of you shall 
notify to him, to cause so many and such honest and liege 
men of his bailiwick to come before you three or two of you, 
by whom the truth of the matter in the premises can be 
better known and inquired into, and that in this he and you 
three, or tw o of you. In witness whereof we have caused 
these our letters to be made patent. Witness ourself at 
Westminster, xvmth day of May, in the seventeenth year of 
our reign of England, but in the fourth year of our reign of 
France. 


By petition in Parliament. 


337 


Devon.— -Inquisition taken at Barnstaple, before Hamo de 
Derworthy and John de Baumfeld, Justices of our Lord (he 
King, for taking* such inquisition, with John de Stowford 
and Richard Hankeston,in the presence of Walter de Horton 
the Sheriff of Devon, on Saturday next after the circumcision 
of our Lord, in the seventeenth year of the reign of Edward, 
King of England, the third from the Conquest, and the 
fourth year of his reign of France, by the oath of Richard 
le Wolf, John Passelowe, Richard de Lokkesore, John 
Warde, Richard de Whitefeld, William Golde, William de 
Loriawill, John Noreys, William Tappeleigh, Richard de 
Bradimor, Richard Atte Hill, and William Atte Beare, who 
say upon their oath, that the town of Barnestaple is a free 
borough, and has been from time immemorial. Also they 
say, that the burgesses of the town aforesaid, and their 
predecessors, have used and enjoyed, and as yet use and 
enjoy, divers liberties and free customs by the Charter of the 
Lord Athelstan of famous memory, once King of England, 
and progenitor of our Lord the now King, which belong to 
the said borough, from the time of making the Charter 
aforesaid even until now; to wit, that they can bequeath in 
their testament and last will their tenements in the same 
borough and suburb thereof to whomsoever they will, and 
choose from among themselves a Mayor, before whom and 
the Steward of the Lord of the borough aforesaid, all pleas 
touching the said borough and the suburb thereof ought to 
be impleaded and determined ; and to send to each Parlia¬ 
ment of our Lord the King two burgesses for the commonalty 
of the same borough ; as also in every taxation and subsidy 
granted to our aforesaid Lord the King or to his progenitors 
once Kings of England, by the citizens and burgesses of 
the same realm before the present time, that they should be 
taxed by themselves and not with strangers; and have 
hitherto been quit throughout the entire realm of England* 


33S 


of pontage, passage, murage, pavage, iastage, anchorage, 
standage, and picage, and have been accustomed and still 
are to have the assize of bread and beer made in the same 
borough and the suburb thereof, and the assay of measures 
and weights, as also a tumbril and pillory. They further say, 
that the said Charter of the aforesaid liberties and customs, 
granted to the same burgesses by the aforesaid Lord Athel- 
stan, has been accidentally lost. They also say, that it is 
not to the loss or prejudice of our Lord the King, or of any 
one else, though the same Lord the King grant for himself 
and his heirs, to the same burgesses and their heirs and 
successors, the full return of all their writs and summonses 
touching the borough aforesaid and the suburb thereof, so 
that the Sheriff of our Lord the King of the county aforesaid, 
or any other bailiff or officer of our Lord the King and of his 
heirs, by no means enter that borough to do and execute his 
office, by reason of such writs or summons in the borough 
aforesaid and the suburb thereof, except in default of a 
mayor and bailiffs of the said borough, nor though they can 
choose and create a coroner of themselves, by the writs of 
cur Lord the King and of his heirs, to do and execute the 
office ot a coroner in the borough aforesaid ; nor though the 
burgesses of the borough aforesaid, have a fair in the borough 
aforesaid every year, to continue for four days, to wit, on the 
vigil and the day of blessed Mary Magdalene and the two 
days next ensuing; and though they be not put with foreign¬ 
ers, nor foreigners with them, in sworn assizes or any inqui¬ 
sitions. In Witness whereof, to these presents the seals of 
the aforesaid jurors to the aforesaid inquisition aforesaid are 
appended. Given at Barnestaple, on the day and year afore¬ 
said. 


No. 4. 

Edward, by the grace of God King of England and 
France, and Lord of Ireland, to his beloved Henry Power, 


339 


Adam !e Bret, John de Ralegh de Charles, and Richard de 
Coumbe. greeting. Although lately by a certain inquisition 
on the prosecution of the m@n of Barnstaple in the county of 
Devon, praying divers liberties to be granted them by us to 
hold to them and their successors, men of that town, for 
ever, by our command taken, it hath beeti found that the 
burgesses of the said town, ought not,nor have hitherto been 
accustomed to bequeath their tenements in the same borough 
in their testaments, aud that they might elect a Mayor from 
among themselves, by license of the Lord of the Town 
aforesaid, and that all pleas touching the said town or 
borough ought to be pleaded apd determined before the 
Steward of the Lord of the said town, and not before the 
Mayor of that town, nor have hitherto been so accustomed, 
and that in all taxations and subsidies to us and our proge¬ 
nitors by the citizens and burgesses of the kingdom of 
England granted, they have been and hitherto were used to 
be taxed by the chief taxers of the county aforesaid, and not 
by themselves, and that the Lord of that town hath and 
ought to have the amending of the assize of bread and ale 
in the same town or borough and suburbs of the same 
broken, and the assay of measures and weights, and the 
pillory and tumbril, as he and his ancestors have hitherto 
been accustomed to have the same, and not the burgesses 
aforesaid, and that nothing did appear from the Charter of 
the Lord Athelst&n heretofore King of England, by which 
the same burgesses pretend certain liberties to have been 
granted to them, and that if the liberties so newly prayed 
should be granted to the said burgesses or their successors, 
it would be to our damage, ten pounds, and to the damage 
of the Lord of the Town, by the year, forty marks; and also 
to the damage of the Abbot of Clyve, the Bishop of Exetei, 
Ranulph de Blanmonster, Robert Baupel, and Thomas de 
Ralegh, of small sums of money. But, inasmuch as we have 

2 w 


340 


understood on the behalf of some men of those parts insist¬ 
ing-, as well for our right and profit as for their right and 
indemnity, that the before-namfcd men of the said town, 
craftily endeavouring to withdraw those things which are so 
found to our damage and prejudice, and to the damage and 
disinheriting of the Lord and others aforesaid, by the inqui¬ 
sition aforesaid, will subtilly procure a certain other inqui¬ 
sition to be taken by our commission concerning the first 
inquisition, or those things which in the same were found, 
making no mention to* those absent and uncalled, whose 
rights and prejudice the said business specially touches, by 
which the contrary of those things in the said first inquisition 
contained, are said to be expressly found, affirming there¬ 
upon moreover that it is not to the damage or prejudice of 
us or any other whomsoever, if we should grant to the same 
burgesses, and their heirs and successors, the full return of 
all our writs and summonses touching the said borough and 
suburbs of the same, so that our Sheriff of the County 
aforesaid, or any other Bailiff or Minister of us and our 
heirs, to do and exercise his office, by reason of such writs 
and summonses in the borough aforesaid, and suburbs of 
the same, should in no wise enter that borough, unless 
in default of the Mayor and Bailiffs of that borough, nor 
that although they should elect and create a Coroner from 
among themselves by the writs of us and our heirs, to do 
and exercise the office of Coroner in the borough aforesaid, 
nor that although they the burgesses of the borough afore¬ 
said should have one fair in the aforesaid borough in every 
year for four days to last, that is to say, on the eve and on 
the day of the blessed Mary Magdalene, and for two days 
next following, and although they be not put with foreigners 
nor foreigners with them, on any assizes, juries, or inquisi¬ 
tions, We, considering that such liberties cannot be granted 
without our great prejudice, and the damage and prejudice 


341 


of others to the men aforesaid, especially as the said town is 
fiolden of ns in capite, as we have been informed, and the 
keeping of the same in the name of the custody may to us 
and our heirs devolve, and the farm of the county aforesaid 
may in part be lessened, and other losses may happen as 
well to us as to others; and, willing on this account 
to be more fully informed upon these matters, we have 
assigned you, three and two of you, to enquire hy the oath 
of approved and lawful men of those parts, by whom the 
truth of the matter may be better known, in the presence of 
those whose interest and whom the premises may touch, by 
you three and two of you, when concerning the names of 
them to be summoned may appear to us, if they will he 
present, to what damage, prejudice, and inconvenience of 
others it may tend, and how and in what manner, if the 
liberties aforesaid were so granted to them hy us, and if the 
town aforesaid should be holden of us in capite as aforesaid, 
whether of other or hy what service, and how and in what 
manner, and more fully the truth of all other circumstances 
touching the same business. And therefore we command 
you, that at a certain day and place which you three or two 
of you shall provide in that behalf, you make such inquisition 
upon the premises, and touching the same in form aforesaid ; 
and the same distinctly and openly made, you send to us 
under the seals of you three or two of you, and the seals of 
those by whom it shall be made, without delay, and this 
writ. Also, we have commanded our Sheriff of the county 
aforesaid, that at a certain day and place which you three or 
two of you shall make known to him, he shall cause to come 
before you three or two of you, so many and such approved 
and lawful men of his bailiwick, by whom the truth of the 
matter in the premises may be the better known and 
enquired of. In witness whereof we have caused these our 
letters to he made patent. Witness myself at Westminster, 


342 


the twentieth day of February, in the year of our reign of 
England the 18th, but of our reign of France the 5th. 

(Indorsement.)—We, Adam ie Bret, John d Ralegh de 
Charles, and Richard de Coumbe, have diligently enquired 
of all things concerning the tenor of this writ, which same 
inquisition we send to you under our seals, and the seals of 
those by whose oath it was made, sewn to this writ. And 
Henry Power was elsewhere occupied in the affairs of the 
Lord the King, so that he could not be present to take such 
inquisition. 

An inquisition taken at Chepyngtoriton, before Adam 
le Bret, John de Ralegh de Charles, and Richard de 
Coumbe, Justices of the Lord the King, assigned to take 
such inquisition, together with Henry Power, on Friday in 
Easter week, in the year of the reign of Edward the 3d after 
the conquest, of England the 18th, but of his reign of France 
the 5lh, by the oath of William de Tottescombe, John Lobbe, 
Thomas Coffyn, William de Trendelysh, Reginald de Northe- 
cote, John de Lockishore, Thomas Gay of Galleworthy, 
Richard de Colleton, Adam de Steteburgh, Humphry Bot- 
tller, Richard de Baghedon, and Walter de Lytlewere. 
Who say by their oath that the town of Barnestaple a 
borough, and that James de Audleye holds the said town 
with the members, of the Lord the King in capite by 
Barony. And that the burgesses of the town ought not nor 
have been hitherto used to bequeath their tenements in the 
same borough in their testaments in their last will. And 
also they say that they may yearly elect a Mayor from among 
themselves, by licence of the Lord of the Town aforesaid. 
And they say that they have not the Charter of the Lord 
the King, nor of his progenitors, to make the said election. 
Also they say that all personal pleas touching the said 
borough ought and have hitherto been accustomed to be 
pleaded and determined before the Steward of the Lord of 


343 


(he said town, and not before the Mayor of the said town, 
nor the Bailiffs. Also they say that in all taxations and 
subsidies heretofore granted to the Lord the King and his 
progenitors by the citizens and burgesses of the kingdom of 
England, they have been and were accustomed to be taxed 
by the chief taxers in the county of Devon, and not by them¬ 
selves. Also they say that the Lord of the same Town hath, 
and of right ought to have the amending of the assize of 
bread and ale in the same town or borough and suburbs 
broken, and the assay of measures and weights, and the 
tumbrel and pillory, and be and his ancestors have hitherto 
been accustomed to have the same, and not the burgesses 
aforesaid. Also they say that nothing appears nor did 
appear to them from the Charter of the Lord Athelstan 
heretofore King of England, by which the same burgesses 
pretend certain liberties to have been granted to them and 
their predecessors. Also they say that if the Lord the King 
should grant to the said burgesses the full return of all their 
writs and summonses touching the aforesaid borough and 
suburbs of the same, so that the Sheriff of the county afore¬ 
said or any other Bailiff or minister of our Lord the King 
and his heirs, to do and exercise his office by reason of such 
writs or summonses in the borough aforesaid and suburbs of 
the same, should in no wise enter that borough, unless in 
default of the Mayor and Bailiffs of the same borough; and 
that it will be to the damage of the said Lord, by the year, 
ten pounds; and that it will be to the damage of the Abbot 
of Clyve, by the year, forty shillings, who holds of the Lord 
the King the manor of Braunton with the hundred of Braun- 
ton, at fee farm, rendering therefore at the exchequer of 
the Lord the King, twenty-two pounds and ten shillings. 
And the said town of Barnstaple is part of the said hundred* 
and within the precincts of the aforesaid hundred. And 
they say that the Bailiffs of the aforesaid Abbot of the 


344 


hundred aforesaid, make and were hitherto accustomed to 
make in the said bofough and suburbs of the same, sum¬ 
monses, attachments, distresses, and executions of the 
judgments of the court of the Lord the King, and of his 
writs, and of the county aforesaid. And if the hundred 
aforesaid shall hereafter fall into the hands of the Lord the 
King, it will be to the damage of the said Lord the King, 
by the year, forty shillings. Also they say that it is to the 
damage of the prior of the blessed Mary Magdalene of 
Barnestaple, by the year, ten shillings, which prior hath a 
lordship in the said suburbs of seventeen tenements, which 
are parcel of the tything of Bradeford, and the same tything 
is parcel of the hundred aforesaid. And they say that the 
priory aforesaid is now in the hand of the Lord the King; 
they say also that it is to the damage of the said Abbot, the 
farmer of the hundred aforesaid, by the year, six shillings 
and eight pence. Also they say that Robert Baupel ? chive- 
ler, hath in the said suburbs a certain fee which is called 
Hogge’s Fee, and by which is liolden there twenty and six 
tenements, and he hath his court there from three weeks to 
three weeks. And they say that it will be to the damage 
of the said Robert, by the year, twenty shillings. Also 
they say that if the Lord the King should grant to the said 
burgesses, that they may yearly elect and create from among 
themselves a Coroner, it will be to the damage of the said 
Lord the King, by the year, forty shillings, and to the 
damage of the comonalty of that country, one thousand 
pounds, because they say that in the said town there are 
many malefactors and disturbers of the peace of the Lord 
the King, and that it is the common passage of the men of 
those parts through the middle of the town aforesaid. Also 
they say that the Lord of the said town hath his market 
there on Wednesday and Friday in every week ; also, that 
if the said Lord the King should grant unto the same bur- 


345 


gesses a fair, as in the commission is contained, it will be to 
the damage of the said Lord of the Town, by the year, 
twenty shillings. Also they say that the burgesses of the 
town aforesaid always answer and were hitherto accustomed 
to answer on assizes, juries, and inquisitions, for a third part 
of the aforesaid hundred of Brauntou. And they say that if 
the said Lord the King should grant to the same burgesses 
that they be not put on assizes, juries, or inquisitions, with 
foreigners, it will be to the damage of the men of the hun¬ 
dred aforesaid, by the year, one hundred shillings. Also 
they say that the Sheriff of the county aforesaid yearly holds 
and was accustomed to hold his turn for the aforesaid hun¬ 
dred of Braunton, in the said town of Barnestaple. And 
they say that the Mayor and twelve men of the sajd town 
ought to come before the said Sheriff to present all and 
singular those matters which pertain and are to be presented 
at the Sheriff’s turn. Also they say that the burgesses of 
the town aforesaid ought, and were hitherto accustomed to 
find. yearly two men of the same borough to serve the 
Lord of the said Town there, to collect and receive the 

rents of the said town and amercements of courts. 

the toll and other profits of the fair and market to collect 
and of all matters aforesaid to render to the said Lord of the 
Town aforesaid, a faithful account. Also they say that if 
the said town, through the minority of the heir of the said 
James, or by forfeiture of the same or his heirs, or by any 
other manner, shall hereafter come into the hands of the 
Lord the King, and the said liberties should be granted to 
the same burgesses, it will be to the damage of the said 
Lord the King, by the year, forty marks. Also they say 
that if the said liberties should be granted to the said bur¬ 
gesses .it will be to the great damage of 

many men who have divers tenements and rents in the said 
town.and the bailiffs of the said town cannot 





346 


permit those who have rents in the said town, to levy their 

. .without redemption or fine to be made 

with the said burgesses, and bailiffs, that is to say, that it 

will be to the damage of.shillings, of Simon 

le Flemyng, by the year two shillings; of Thomas de 
Ralegh, by the year, three shillings; of Ranulph de . . . . 
and Alice his wife, and the heirs of the same Alice, by the 
year, two shillings; of the Prior of Pilton, by the year, six 

shillings and eight pence; of.two shillings; 

of John Fank, by the year, twenty shillings; of Robert 
Fouk, by the year, thirty shillings ; of Walter de Merwode, 

.ammound, by the year, two shillings; of 

JBaldewin de Ackelane, by the year, four shillings; of John 
de Northe.hathey, by the year, four shil¬ 

lings ; and of Andrew Mathu, by the year, thirteen shillings 
and four pence, in witness whereof, the jurors aforesaid 
to this inquisition have put their seals. Dated the day, 
place, and year aforesaid. 


[B.] 


Petition against the Return of a Member to the House 
of Commons . IG Charles 1. 


Richard fferris, one of the Burgesses of the Parliamt. 
“ for the Towrne of Barnestaple, in Devon. 

“ Thomas Matthews, Petitioner to the howse against the 
“ Election of Mr. fferris. 

“ The Petitioner sheweth that the Maior, Aldermen, and 
“ Burgesses of Barnestaple, being 24, and the othef free 
“ Burgesses being assembled in the Towne Hall thear for 
“ the election of Burgesses for this Parliamt* after the She- 










347 


“ riff’s warrant was read, the Mayor propound^ to the Bur- 
“ gesses to stand on the election, Mr. George Peard, Mr. 
“ Richard Ferris, and Mr. Richard Medford. 

" That Mr. Peard and the Petitioner Matthews, by a gene- 
“ rail voice of the Electors, weare chosen Burgesses for the 
“ said towne, to sende this Parliam 1 without any opposition, 
“ they crying they would have their last Burgesses, to witte, 
“ Matthews and Peard, Peard and Matthews, five or six 
“ tymes, and not any negative voice dissensioned. 

“ That the Mayor, notwithstanding having formerly [pre- 
“ viously] sent to procure voices for any such of the 24 
** burgesses as he should nomynate, not being pleased that 
“ the Petitioner should stand to be elected, not being one of 
“ the 24, as the Mayor hath declared to be the Reason, said 
u he would take another Course in the said Election. 

“ That the comon Burgesses desired that they which had 
“ given their Voyces for Mr. Peard and the Petitioner might 
“ be sett on the one side of the hall, and those that were 
“ against them on the other side, if any wear, that the differ- 
“ ence of voices might appear. 

“ That the Mayor would not yield thereunto, and there- 
“ upon, the Comons [common burgesses] said they would 
“ have noe other burgesses but those they had chosen ; that 
“ they had done the work they wear called and came for, 
“ viz. to chuse two sufficient men for their Burgesses, and 
“ would have departed the hall, but could not, in regard 
“ the dore was lockt by direction of the Mayor, w'ch was 
“ never before on the like occasion. 

“ That the Mayor constrayned the Burgesses by shutting 
“ the Dore to stay, and invented a new forme of Election of 
“ purpose to exclude the Petitioners, which was, by norni- 
“ nating Mr. Peard and Mr. Medford by themselves, and the 
“ Mayor and his bretheren having named wch of those two 
“ they would have, the rest of the Electors wear coinanded 

2 x 


348 


“ to come upp to a barr to give their Voices, wch they 
“ having done for Mr. Peard, the Petitioner and the said 
“ Mr. fferris wear then putt together on the ellection. 

“ That the Mayor gave his voice wth Mr. fferris, for whom 
“ he and some others of the 24 had much laboured wth 
“ Divers of the Comons by threats and other ways, by wch 
u subtile meanes and new invented forme of Election, the 
“ Petitioner’s former fair Electiou was quite crossed and 
“ altered, for many of those that had formerly given their 
“ Voices for the Petitioner when they gave it jointly, did 
“ when they went single and were distorned.* out of feare 
“ and to please the Mayor, gave their voices for Mr. fferris, 
“ for whom the Mayor had first given his Voice, and that 
“ many of the Comon Burgesses have since declared, that 
“ they so gave their voices for feare, against their mynds, 
“ and some against their consciences. Whereas, if otherwise 
“ the Petition 1 ' had byn putt in competition with Mr. fferris, 
“ Mr. Medford, and Mr. Peard jointly, he might have been 
“ elected before either of them. By wch meanes in the 
“ latter election the said Electors wear much hindered in 

li their.Election, and the Petitioner omitted by the 

“ Mayor, who hath unduly returned the said Mr. fferris 
“ together with Mr. Peard. 

“ And tliearfore prayeth the house of Comons to take the 
“ same into Consideration, and if it seem good to declare 
“ the retorne of the said Mr. fferris to be voide, and to 
“ comand the Mayor in steede of hym to retorne the Petiti- 
“ oner one of the burgesses of the said Towne to serve this 
“ Parliamt according to his due election, and to take further 
* 5 order.” 

“ Annsweare to the objections in the Petition. 

“ First after the Sherriff’s warrant read, and the Mayor 
“ had named Mr. Peard, Mr. fferris, and Mr. Medford, to 

* Query, Disturned,—distrained, obsolete , constrained. 



349 


“ stand on the election for Burgesses for this present Parlia- 
“ ment, omitting the Petitioner as not conceiving him sofitt, 
“ though he wear formerly in another Parliament by a 
“ compact elected and [unable] to discern in the confusion 
“ of voices whome the Comons intended to have or chuse 
“ for their burgesses, they att first crying Peard and Mat- 
“ thews, some their old burgesses, others nay. 

“ The Mayor then proposed, that seeing the Petitioner 
“ would stand for one of the Burgesses, that he should be 
“ put in competition with the other 3, viz. Mr. Peard, Mr. 
“ Ferris, and Mr. Medford, and that two of them should be 
" first proposed to the election of the Comon Burgesses, and 
“ the other two after, and that the Comons for Distinction 
“ sake should severally give their Voyces att the Barr by 
“ the poll. 

“ That petitioner well approved of the manner of Election 
“ proposed, but desired that he might not stand on the said 
“ Election in competition with Mr. Peard, for then, he said, 
“ he should be excluded, but to stand w*h any of the other 
“ two, Mr. fFerris or Mr. Medford, he was well pleased. 

“ The Mayor then proposed that Mr. Peard and Mr. 
“ Metford should first stand in competition in the first 
“ Election for the first Burges, And that Mr. fFerris and the 
“ Petitioner should stand in competition in the Election for 
“ the second Burges, wch course the Petitioner well ap- 
“ proved ofF, and gave the Mayor thanks for taking so 
“ indifferent and faire course. 

“ That the Comon Burgesses att the first election choose 
“ Mr. Peard, and omitted Mr. Medford, and at the next 
“ Election chose Mr. fFerris, and omitted the Petitioner, Mr. 
« fFerris having 120 Voices for hym, and the Petitioner but 
“ 36 ; Wch being done, the Petitioner came to the Mayor in 
“ the view of the Comon Burgesses, gave him thanks tor 
“ his faire carriage in the business, and likewise came to the 


350 


“ said Mr. Peard and Mr. fferris, wished them joy of their 
“ places on election, and desired them to doo their best in 
“ their places for the good of the Comon weale. 

“ Note :—It is an ancient custoine within the towne of Bar- 
“ nestaple used, tyme out ot' mynd, to elect the Mayor and all 
“ other officers by proposing 4 or more, and on the election 
“ to sitt 2 first one against another, and the man that is first 
“ chosen is to stand for one, and then to sitt the other two 
“ in competition, and he that is elected of those two is also 
“ to stand, as in the former election of the now burgesses.” 


[C.] 


Bye Laws of the Corporation.* 


“ Baunestaple Is. 

“ Ordinances, Statutes, and Bye-Laws, revised, made, 
“ constituted, ordained, ratified, and confirmed, by Christo- 
“ pher Hunt, Mayor of the Borough and Parish of Barnes- 
“ taple aforesaid; Richard Barnes and Richard Salisbury, 
“ Aldermen ; and Capital Burgesses, William Wescombe, 
“ Arthur Ackland, Thomas Harris, John Stevins, Hugh 
“ Marshall, William Lakeman, George Fairchild, John Peard, 
<c John Blake, John Prideaux, Nicholas Cooke, Thomas Sel- 
“ don, James Kimpland, James Kimpland, jun., John Hunt, 

* The preamble, the first “ bye law,” and all the others commencing 
with the word “ Allso,” are given without abbreviation; the rest I have 
been under the necessity of curtailing of the redundant matter in which 
they abound. All the “ laws ” are noticed, and every thing that is 
material in any of them is copied in full, and marked by inverted 
commas. The copy I have used is an ancient one, and from an authentic 


source. 





351 


“ Jeffery Bagglehole, John Law, Nicholas Gingar, Richard 
“ Fey, and Richard Cole, being of the Common Councell 
“ of the same Borough and Parish, for the good government 
“ of the Burgesses, Artificers, and Inhabitants of the said 
“ Borough and Parish, and for a declaration in what manner 
“ and order the aforesaid Mayor, Alldermen, and Burgesses, 
“ Artificers, Inhabitants, and Residents, of the said Borough 
“ and Parish for the time being, shall use, carry, and behave 
“ themselves in their several 1 Offices and Business within 
“ that Borough and Parish and limitts of the same; and also 
" for the further good and publick utility and government of 
“ the said Borough and Parish, in victualling of the same 
“ Borough and Parish; and likewise for the better govern- 
“ ment, disposition, setting and letting of Lands, Tenements, 
“ and possessions, given, granted, or assigned, or hereafter 
“ to be given, granted, or assigned, to the Mayor, Aldermen, 
“ and Burgesses, for the time being, on the twenty-fourth 
“ day of March, in the year of our Lord God, one thousand 
“ six hundred eighty-nine, by virtue of severall letters 
“ patents, heretofore granted to the Mayor, Alldermen, and 
“ Burgesses of the Borough and Parish of Barnestaple afore- 
“ said, as follows :— 

(1.) “ First. For the election of the Mayor of the afore- 
“ said Borough and Parish of Barnestaple, it is ordained, 
“ enacted, confirmed, appointed, provided, and established, 
“ by the aforesaid Mayor, Alldermen, and Common Councell, 
“ that yearly on the Monday next after the Feast of the 
“ assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Guildhall 
“ of the said Borough, when the old Mayor and Alldermen 
“ there for the time being come, shall be placed in their 
“ rooms, in the presence of the Common Councell or the 
“ more part of them, the same Mayor and Aldermen, or two 
“ of them, whereof one to be the Mayor, and if they cannot 
“ agree, then the more part of the Common Councell shall 


352 


“ advisedly and discreetly, without favour or affection, 
“ mallice or displeasure, nominate four such men of the 
“ Common Councell as be of ability, convenient and meet 
“ for the office of Mayoraltie then for the next year 
“ following-, and the names of two of them incontinently 
" shall be written, separated, and fixed severally on two 
“ potts for the same purpose therefore made, then and 
“ there as hath been used and accustomed to be sett in 
“ a certain place appointed, and every of the said Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Councell, to have one ball in their 
“ hands also provided for the same, and holding both their 
“ hands close shall put one hand into one pott and the other 
“ hand into the other pott at one instant time, and letting 
“ his ball fall secretly into which pott he list, shall take his 
u hands out of the same potts showing them forth then 
u openly in such ways as it may not be known for whome he 
“ giveth his voyce, nor in what pott he putteth his ball; 
“ which being so done and perused particularly from the 
“ lowest to the highest, the same potts forthwith to be seen, 
“ that it may be known in what pott most balls be; and then 
“ the names of two other men of the Common Councell 
“ shall be written severally and sett upon the potts, and to 
“ be perused by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Coun- 
“ cell, with balls, in like manner and forme as it was done 
“ before removing the two first names; and afterwards those 
“ two mens’ names having most voices and balls to be again 
“ the third time sett separately on the said two potts, and 
“ to be perused by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common 
u Councell with balls in the said two potts, in such mauner 
“ as it was before and as it hath been accustomed ; and then 
ii at the last he whose name is fixed on that pott wherein 
“ most balls shall be found shall be prefered to the office of 
“ the mayoralty of the said Borough and Parish for the year 
next following, as hath been accustomed. 


353 


The form here directed to be used in choosing 1 the Mayor is still 
punctually observed, but not, it is said, always with the entire absence 
of those prohibited but subtle intermeddlers, “ favour or affection, malice 
or displeasure.” It is customary for Members of the Common Council 
to be chosen to the office in rotation according to seniority, but there is a 
regulation which sanctions the making of “ old ” or “ new ” Mayors, (by 
which is meant those who have, and those who have not, passed the chair,) 
at their option. Whatever gave rise to this practice, it is evident the 
Corporation are enabled by it to keep back any member they may have 
an objection to, from the Mayoralty for several years, without infringing 
their rules. This system of exclusion is at present in action, and that 
without any apparent justifiable cause. 

Although the ceremony of balloting is kept up, such an occurrence as 
a contest at the election of a Mayor, is, I believe, never known ; it i» 
always equally well understood both before and after the ballot, who is to 
fill the office. 

(2.) “ AI Iso, for the election of the Allderraen, it is ordained 
“ and established, that the old Mayor shall be the senior 
“ Alldertnan of the said Borough and Parish for the next 
“ year after he is out of his Mayoralty, if the majority of the 
“ Mayor and Common Councell be not against it; and that 
“ at the said time and place before the precedent order for 
“ the election of the Mayor, the said old Mayor and Allder- 
“ men for (he time being, in like manner to agree upon and 
“ nominate two such grave and discreet men of the Common 
“ Counsell as have been Mayor of the said Borough and 
“ Parish, whose names shall be written and fixed separately 
“ on the said two potts, and perused by the Mayor, Alder- 
<• men, and Common Counsel!, with balls in the like manner 
*• and forme as it is before declared, and he in whose pott 
“ most balls be put, shall be junior Alderman of this Bo- 
“ rough and Parish for the next year following. 

(:j.) “ Allso, for the election of the Recorder, Deputy Re- 
«* corder, and Common Counsell, of this Borough and Parish, 
<£ Clerke of the Market, Receivers, Collectors of the town 
“ rents. Bridge Rents, and all other rents belonging to the 
“ Corporation, one Serjeant at Mace, and all other Officers, 


354 


“ excepting' such officers as are otherwayes appointed by 
“ Charter to be chosen, or of any of them, when and so often 
“ as the case so require. Jt is ordained that every of them 
“ shall be nominated, appointed, tryed, and chosen, in such 
“ like manner and forme by balls, as is before ordained for 
“ election of the Mayor of this Borough and Parish, Clerke 
“ of the Markett, Receivers, Collectors of the Town Rents, 
‘‘ Bridge Rents, and all other Rents belonging* to the Corpo- 
“ ration, one Serjeant at Mace, and all other Officers of the 
“ said Borough and Parish, shall be chosen by most voices 
“ of the Mayor, Alldermen, and Capital Burgesses, for the 
“ time being, whereof the Mayor and one of the Alldermen 
u for the time being to be two. 

(4.) " At any of the said Elections, or at any other time,” 
should the Mayor be “absent by reason of sickness or other- 
“ wise,” the senior Allderman to officiate for him, “ except 
“ in matters of Judgement.” In the absence of the Alder¬ 
men or either of them, •* such as have or hath been the last 
** former Aldermen or Alderman ” to act, “ except in matters 
“ of Judgement and for holding of courts. In all and every 
“ the aforesaid elections, double balls to be laid aside, and 
“ no one shall have two voices or balls,” the Mayor ex¬ 
cepted, and he only when “ the number of electors present 
“ be equal.” Any of the Common Council being absent at 
any election without a license from the Mayor, or being able 
“ to shew such good cause as shall be allowed of, shall for- 
“ feit Cs. 8 d. to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the 
“ Borough and Parish, the same forfeiture to be levied by 
“ action of debt or by distress of his or their goods and chat- 
“ ties soe offending. 

(5.) “ Allso it is further ordained and agreed that upon 
4 ‘ the death or moving of any of the aforesaid Chief Bur- 
“ gesses and Common Conncell of this Borough and Parish, 
“ one other of the Burgesses of the said B. and P. shall be 


355 


“ elected and chosen into the same office in his roome by the 
“ said Common Councell or the most part of them, whereof 
“ the Mayor and one Alderman for the time being to be two. 
“ The said election or elections to be in the Guildhall, at 
“ such convenient time or times, between the hours of ten 
“ and twelve in the forenoon, as the Mayor for the time 
“ being shall think fit, soe it be made fourteen days or more 
“ before the election of the next Mayor; but if any of the 
“ Councell die or be removed from his place within fourteen 
“ days of the election of the next Mayor, that then the said 
“ election to be made at any time before the election of the 
“ next Mayor, and notice of such election to be made is to 
“ be given by one of the common serjeants of the Town, to 
“ all the Capital Burgesses residing within the Borough , at 
“ least tw enty-four hours before the time of such election. ’ 

There appears, at first sight, to be a strange contradiction in those parts 
of this “ ordinance ” which are printed in italics; but the latter clause 
evidently goes to signify, that Capital Burgesses residing ivithout the bo¬ 
rough , were considered as having virtually vacated their offices, and having 
consequently no voice in the Common Council, were not to be sum¬ 
moned to its meetings, even whilst their successors remained unappointed. 

“ Allso, that none be admitted to be a Burgess, and to en- 
« joy the liherty of Burgess of the Borough and Parish of 
“ Barnstaple aforesaid, without the consent and assent of the 
“ Mayor and Common Councell of the same Borough and 
“ Parish, or the more part of them, at any of the time or 
“ times of such admission, which shall be in the Guildhall 
“ of the said Borough.” [This reservation by the Common 
Council of a power to reject a candidate for admission to 
burgesship, manifestly involves an acknowledgment of a 
right being vested in some other persons or body of men, 
(the freemen, doubtless!) to propose such candidate, and to 
. have a voice in his election. We may, in fact, reasonably 
infer from it, that such elections had aforetime been decided 
among the burgesses by a majority of votes, w ithout any dss- 

2 Y 


356 


Unction of person or office.] “ None to be admitted a free 
“ Burgess, but those that are comformable to Church and 
“ State, and shall take the oaths of allegiance and supremacie 
“ at the time of such their admittance.” 

J’h:s regulation, which, judging by the period in which it was made, 
was evidently directed against Roman Catholics, has also been made to 
operate to the exclusion of Protestant Dissenters; no nonconformist 
having, as far as can be ascertained, been admitted within the pale of the 
Corporation of Barnstaple, until the year 1828, when Capt. C. B. Gribble, 
of the H. E. I. C. S. was elected a Common Councilman. 

(7.) “ First son of a Burgess born after his admission,” to 
pay a fine of is. “ for his burgesship ;” second son 2s.; and 
“ every other of his sons, 6s. 8 cl. a piece.” Any person hav¬ 
ing served an apprenticeship to “ any Merchant or Artificer 
“ of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, being a free Burgess, 
“ here bound to serve for seven years, at least, in the trade of 
“ him to whom he is so bound, and accordingly shall so 
“ serve, to pay for his freedom 6$. 81 /.” so that such freedom 
be claimed at “ the next Law court [sessions] of the Bo- 
“ rough of Barnestaple aforesaid, to be there holden next 
“ after” the expiration of such apprenticeship. Any appren¬ 
tice being 6i beyond the seas, and unable to come to claime 
“ his freedom at the time before limitted,” must make appli¬ 
cation within three months next after his return home from the 
parts beyond the seas. Every fine, “ certain and uncertain, 
“ is to be paid at the same time or times he or they are made 
“ freemen of the Borough and Parish of Barnestaple afore- 
“ said, and all other persons not comprized in these Qualifi- 
“ cations,shall pay at least 40s. for his admittance.” 

On the death or removal of a master, or by mutual agreement between 
master and apprentice, the latter may be made over to any other master, 
being a burgess, for any remaining period of his term; or an apprentice 
may, should his master die, serve out his time with his mistress, and have 
an equal claim to his freedom, as if no transfer had been made. 

(8.) “ Allso, that none other but such as be free Burgesses 
“ of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, shall sell any rner- 


357 


“ chandizeor wares other wayes then in gross, ®r other waves 
“ then victual, within the Borough and Parish aforesaid; or 
“ keep open his shop window to the intent to sell, except it 
“ be at the time of the fair or market to be held within the 
“ said Borough: or use any mystery, or occupation, or handy- 

craft within the Borough and Parish aforesaid, without 
“ special Lycence under the seals of the Mayor, Aldermen, 
“ and Capital Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough and Parish 
“ for the time being, or of the more part of them, w hereof 
“ the Mayor for the time being to be one, upon paine of such 
ft reasonable fine, or amercirnenf, or yearly sum or sumes of 
“ money, to be imposed or inflicted upon him or (hem soe 
** offending for the same, by the Mayor, Aldermen, and 
“ Capital Burgesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid 
“ for the time being, or fourteen of them, w hereof the said 
“ Mayor to be one, any custom or usage to the contrary 
“ thereof notwithstanding; the said fine or amerciment to be 
“ levied by debt or distress on the party so offending. 

(.9.) The Mayor to appoint such a free burgess “ as he 
(i pleaseth, to be one of the tw o Serjeants at Mace.” 

(10.) Any person refusing, or who shall “ delay to bear, 
“ or be in, or execute any place or office,” to which he may 
have been appointed within the Borough, to be subjected to 
such “ fine or amerciament as shall seem reasonable ” by the 
Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses. 

(11.) “ Allso, it is ordaiued, that all and every of the offi- 
« cers which be accountable within the said Borough and 
“ Parish of Barnstaple, (to wilt) the Chamberline, the lle- 
“ ceiver, the Bailiffs, Collectors of Rents, Bridgewardens,and 
“ all other Accountants, shall make their and every of their 
" Accoumpts truly and fully, yearly on the 1 uesday next 
“ after the feast of St. Leonard, before the Mayor and Alder- 
“ men of the said Borough and Parish for the time being, or 
“ to such others as shall be appointed by them in that behalf, 
« in the Guildhall of the said Borough, and then and there 


358 


* f© par the said Mayor and Aldermen for the time being;, or 
“ to such others as shall be by them appointed in that behalf, 
“ to the use of the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of 
44 the Borough and Parish aforesaid, all and every such sum 
44 and sums of money as each of them shall be respectively 
41 found in arrear upon his or their Accoumpt or Accompts, 
44 and if they do then and there neglect payment thereof, that 
44 then he and they and every of them soe neglecting pay- 
“ ment as aforesaid, without reasonable excuse, shall forfeitt 
44 and pay to the use of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses 
44 of the said Borough and Parish aforesaid and their sue- 
44 cessors, twenty shillings for every day afterwards, untill 
44 the said Accompt or Accompts be made up, the debt 
44 thereupon well and truly paid and levyed.” 

(1*2.) It is ordained, that upon any 44 plaint entered by any 
44 foreigner against a Burgess of the said Borough and Parish 
44 upon the first process awarded, the defendant is to be 
44 warned to appear at the next court following to answer the 
44 plaintiff, wherein the said defendant, being a Burgess, is to 
44 have eight days warning before the Court, and if he theft 
44 make default, he is then to be amerced six pence,” and the 
same for the second and third courts, then 44 process to be 
44 awarded against him, either to attach his goods and chat- 
44 tels, or arrest him, by his body to appear at the fourth court 
44 to answer the plaintiff in bis plaint/’ If any defendant 
cannot be found, 44 on request of the plaintiff another process 
44 of Capias may issue. Every defendant being attached by 
44 his body, he is forthwith to be brought to the keeper of the 
“ Prison of the said Borough and Parish, there to remain/’. &c. 

(13.) Any person so committed to prison, shall, if the 
action require bail, 44 find unto the Mayor and Aldermen of 
44 the same Borough and Parish for the time being, one or 
44 two sufficient Burgesses and Freemen >” as sureties, 44 for his 
44 continual appearance every Court, soe long as the matter 
44 in controversie shall there depend.” 


359 


(14.) Any burgess summoned on a “ Jury for the Tryal 

of any matter or issue,” who shall make default, and “ by 
“ reason whereof a full jury doth not appear, soe that the 
“ matter and case remain for want of jurors, shall be amerced 
“ at the first court 3 s, 4 d., and at the second court 6s. 8 d., 
“ and so forth, at every court following, until a full jury do 
“ appear. 

(15.) “ None of the Common Councell shall be at any time 
“ hereafter impannelled on any Jury, or become surety lor 
* any person in any cause or matter in the said court, on 
“ paine of 31. 6s. Sd. by such person to be forfeited,” &c. 

(16.) Persons presented by the Grand Jury for petty 
ofieuces, after notice given of such presentment, shall for 
every such offence be amerced “ Three Pence , in every 
“ court [sessions] next following, until such offender or 
“ offenders doe appear, and submit to the grace of the court, 
“ and find surety for his Fine,” &c. 

(17.) “ Aldermen or Common Councell not attending the 
“ Mayor after proper notice to come unto or before him, 
“ either in the Guildhall, or at any other place within the 
“ said borough,” to advise with him concerning the service 
of his Majesty or the affairs of the Town “ or shall depart 
“ (being come) without leave of the Mayor, until the business 
<fi in hand be ended or put over,” to pay 3s. 4 d. 

Inferior Burgesses not attending the Mayor on being 
“ legally warned,” to forfeit 3s. 4 d, or being present, “shall 
“ not thence depart without lycence of the Mayor, upon 
ii paine of 6s. 8d.” 

(18.) “Allso, it is ordained, that all they which bring Corn 
« to sell to this Borough and Markett, shall open their Baggs 
“ when the Corn Bell doth ring, which shall be at Twelve 
“ of the Clock, that the Inhabitants of this Borough and 
“ Parish may be served; and that no person haveing* Corn 
“ of his own, shall buy any Corn in the Markett for change 
« of seed, unless he bring to the Markett the same day s# 


360 

" much Corn u* In* buycth, ami sell (lie same as (lie price 
41 goolli, upon paine ami forfeiture of double the value 
44 thereof. M 

(10.) Any person pultinu* or causing to be put “any 
41 Dung, filth, or oilier unclean tiling, upon any of the Keys, 
44 Streets, or lames, within the Town or Borough,” to pay 
3*. 4d. 44 for every Time.” 

44 No one lo unload, put, or lie, any Timber, Blocks, 
44 Stocks, Milsloncs, or other Purprestures, upon the said 
44 Key or Keys, or Slips or Strands, and suffer the same to 
44 remain there nbove three days next utter the landing* 
44 thereof, without making' Composition with the Mayor or 
44 Farmers of the Keys or Strands, upon Paine of 3s. 4 d. 

44 No one shall sutler any Dung* or Soyle, Sonp Ashes or 
44 Lime Ashes, to lye or continue upon any of tho remotest 
44 Keys above forty eight hours, upon paine of forfeiture of 
44 the said Dung, &e. lo tho use of tho Corporation. 

44 livery foreigner [non-freeman] which loads any Dung’, 
44 Soap Ashes, or Lime /Ashes, from any Key, shall pay Acf. 
44 per boat, and from the Strand Ad. per boat. 

44 livery one that fetcheth sand from the sand ridge, shall 
4 ’ pay for each horse yearly ld. t and for every boat of Crock 
44 Sami Id., according to the nntient custome.” 

No Lime Stones to be laid on the Town Land, unless 
composition bo made, upon paine of forfeiture of the same. 

44 If any Inhabitant of this Borough and Parish shall neg- 
44 lert to cleanse his or their street every week, [rather a 
formidable task lor an inhabitant of Boutport-streeL] shall 
44 forfeit 3.t« Ad. for every such neglect. 

(20.) 44 AI Iso, it is ordered and agreed, that the Mayor for 
44 tho tune being, shall have for his pension that year 20/., 
44 in part of a recompenco for his expences, and charge of his 
44 robe and Dinners, ns well at the Law Courts, as other the 
44 King’s and Queen’s Majesty’s Courts. 


361 


* And also, shall hare tor the Castle Court's Din nets there 
“ yearly as hath been accustomed 6/, 6*. bd., and for the 
“ expence of the Dinner at the Account Day, 2/. 13#. Ad. 

“ And also the fine of one Burgess at his choice, if three 
'* be made during his Mayoraltry. 

" The Receiver shall have for his Fee yearly 6#. &<f. 

“ The Town Clarke for his Fee yearly 20#. 

u The first Serjeant at Mace, the benefit of the prison 
u without rent. 

** The second Serjeant at Mace, yearly 4/. 

“ The Bridgewardens, yearly 6#. bd. 

“ Each of the Searchers of the Market, 4#. Ad. 

“ The Mayor for the time being, for fixing the Common 
“ Seale to any writing or lease granted by the Corporation 
M of this Borough and Parish, 2#.; and for setliug the st ale 
u of the office to every writing, certificate, or attestation, 2#.. 
“ whereof the Aldermen to have oue moiety ; and the Town 
41 Clerke to have for every writing that passeth under, or is 
u sealed, either with the Common Seale, or the Seal of office, 
a Sd., according to the antient custom of the said Borough/* 

(21.) Any person “ obstinately refusing'* payment of any 
fine levied on him u at any of the Courts Leet, or other 
“ Courts of Record,’* on demand being made by the Receiver, 
shall forfeit 10#. in addition to the first penalty, the whole to 
be levied, &c. ** If the Mayor be negligent or partial, or 
** forgive thereof in whole above 10#., then he himself to he 
•* charged and chargeable to the Corporation of the Borough 
44 and Parish for the same, and of him to be bad and reco* 
“ vered by such means as any peualtyes forfeited of any 
•* Common Burgess.” 

(2*2.) No person to •* winnow Corn, Malt, or Grain, in any 
« of the open Streets, upon paiue ol 12 d. for every such 
li offence.” 

(23.) Persons leaving * Dung, kc. before their stables, 

against their w*alls or other bouses in the Streets, or Lanes, 


362 


for more than forty-eight hours, to forfeit 1 2d., and the dung 
to be taken away by any person to his own use. 

(24.) “ AIlso, it is further ordained, that no inhabitant of 
“ this Borough and Parish shall receive any pack or packs 
“ of wares into his house, brought hear to be sold by any 
" foreigner or stranger, before the same be brought to the 
“ Key Hall, (being the common markett.) upon pain of 5s.” 

Would even the makers of such a “statute” as this, have ventured to 
convict under it ? What a “ reasonable law!” 

(25.) Any artificer taking a stranger as a journeyman, 
without first acquainting the Mayor or Constables thereof, to 
forfeit 65 . 8 c?. 

(26.) Any inhabitant who shall, without license from the 
Mayor and Common Council, permit any stranger in his 
house above the space of twenty days, except in certain 
cases, to forfeit 10s. for every month to the Churchwardens 
and Overseers of the Poor. “ And allso, it is hereby further 
“ ordered, that the Mayor shall yearly make choice of two 
men in every street, to inform him of all such strangers as 
“ come into the Borough and Parish to dwell.” 

(27.) “ Allso, it is ordered and ordained, that all and every 
“ such person and persons, as shall bring any Barques, 
“ Lifters, [Lighters] Boats, or other Vessels, to the Town 
and Borough, loaden with any wares or merchandize, here 
“ to be unloaden at the Quays or Slips of this Town and 
“ Borough, shall within a convenient time unload the same, 
“ and then forthwith, or at the next Flood, they shall with- 
“ draw their said vessells, and lay off from either of the said 
“ Keys or Slips, and that other Vessels that are loaden, may 
“ come conveniently to the said Keys or Slips with their 
“ Loading, to land the same, upon paine of 10s. for every 
4 * such default, and the Barque or other such Vessell, or the 
“ owner thereof, to be attached and stayed for the same 
“ penalties. 


363 


“ AH Boats and Barques, and other Vessells, coming’ to 
“ the Quays or Slips, that doth make use of Ballist. to ballist 
“ there, or pay 6s. Sd” 

The Sand-ridge, it should be remembered, formerly lay on this side the 
water; it was of course desirable to reduce it as much as possible near 
the Quays. 

(28.) No person to buy “ Herrings or Butter by the Bar- 
“ rell or Pott, and retail the same, or any part thereof, the 
“ very same day that he hath bought it, upon forfeiture of 
“ the same or the value thereof.” 

(29.) None but Burgesses to buy any raw Hides, Calves’ 
Skins, or Sheep Skins, except on Fridays, without licence 
from the Mayor, paying a yearly fine for the same, “ upon 
“ paine of forfeiture of 3s. 4d. for every Hide, &c. so 
“ bought.” 

(30.) Any “ Burgess or Inhabitant forestalling or buying 
“ any Coals to sell the same again in any place within the 
“ Port of Barnstaple, before the same Coals do come to be 
“ brought ” to the Town, to forfeit 10s. for every wey of 
Coals so bought. 

(31.) “ Allso it is ordained that no Butcher or Victualler 

“ shall sell in the Markett within this Borough, the Flesh 
“ of any Bull, or offer the same to sell, except the same 
“ Bull immediately before the slaughter be chased or beaten 
“ with dogs for the space of one houre, at the Bull Ring 
« and usual place appointed for the same purpose within 
“ this Borough, upon paine of forfeiting of 6s. 8d. for every 
“ such default. 

“ And that all Butchers and Victuallers repairing to the 
“ Marketts within this Borough with any Victualls, to bring 
“ wholsom Victualls and marketable, and to bring their 
« Sheep Skins hanging to the Flesh, according to the cus- 
“ tome of this Borough, upon paine of a grievous Amercia- 
“ ment. 

(32.) " Allso, it is ordered that no Inhabitant of this 

2 z 


364 


44 Borough and Parish doe receive any strange woman being 
“ with child into his House, or any Vagabond or suspected 
44 person, without licence and consent of the Mayor and 
“ Aldermen, upon paine of 40s. 

(33.) Allso, it is ordained that no Inhabitant of this 
44 Town do suffer his Hoggs, Piggs, or Ducks, to goe at 
“ large in the Streets, upon paine of loseing lcZ. for every 
“ foot for every time.” 

(34.) All “ Victualls or Fish ” to be brought into the 
Market for sale, (except Fish sold out of Boats,) under a 
Penalty of 12 cl. 44 And the High Cross is hereby appointed 
44 for selling of Fish every week day except Fridays, and 
44 the Fish Shambles on the Key is appointed for selling of 
44 Fish on Fridays, and every one that buys any Fish 
44 privately in his house, shall forfeit 3s. 4d.” 

(35.) Any person on a market day 44 tying his Horse in 
41 the open Streets or on the Key ” for half an hour, to 
forfeit 4 d. 

(36.) No Tanner to have any Hides sealed 44 but by such 
“ Sealers of Leather as shall be appointed by the Mayor,” 
under a penalty of 44 12 d. for every dicker of Hides, and 4 d. 
44 for every dicker of Calves’ Skins.” No Leather to be 
sealed until it be brought to the Key Hall, “ upon paine of 
44 forfeiture of 20s. for every dicker of Leather soe sealed,” 
both, by the Sealer and the Tanner. 

(37.) “ Allso, it is ordained and established, according 

“• to the antient custom of this Borough and Parish, that the 
44 Mayor of this Borough and Parish for the time being, 
“ shall have of every Boat that bringeth Coals to this town 
44 for any Foreigner, one bushell of the same Coals; and 
44 likewise of every Boat that bringeth Corne to this Town to 
44 be sold for any Foreigner, one bushell of the same Corne 
“ to his own use and behcofe, provided that if any Freeman 
“ shall participate with a Foreigner as partner in Coals, the 


365 


“ Burgess to be excused, and the bushel! paid only by the 
4i Foreigner, according to the antient custom of this Borough. 

Salt also, although not mentioned here, pays toll to the Mayor in a 
similar way. 84 lbs, (for a “ bushell,”) is taken on every importation of 
this article, whether it be a ship-load, or only part of a cargo. This, 
when salt, in consequence of the enormous duty on it, was retailed at 
36s. per cwt., was a perquisite worth enjoying ; now it is but trifling. 

Query—Why was not this impost noticed in these Bye Laws ; can it 
be of more modern date ? 

(38.) “ Allso, it is further ordained that if any Inhabitant 

“ of this Borough and Parish, not being of the Common 
“ Councell, upon commanding or warning thereof given to 
48 him by the constables or one of them, refuse and do not 
48 come before the Mayor of this Borough and Parish, to 
“ answer unto such matters as shall be objected against 
“ him, having no lawful! impediment or excuse to the con- 
“ trary, shall forfeit and pay for every such default, 3s. 4 d. 

(39.) “ Allso, it is further ordained and established, that 

“ when there is any meeting’ appointed by the Mayor 
“ for the time being, for the Common Councell of this 
<{ Borough and Parish at the Guildhall, there to consent and 
“ treat of causes and matters touching the state and behoof 
88 of the Inhabitants of this Borough and Parish, for the 
establishing* of any orders, rules, or provisions, to be 
88 observed and kept within this Borough and Parish, or for 
“ any other cause or matter whatsoever, that there shall not 
“ be spoken or used by the said Common Councell or any 
84 of them, any unseemly, irreverent, or reproachful words 
iC one to the other of them, but that every of them shall, in 
88 decent, comely, and quiet manner, speak and answer unto 
4t the matter propounded; and if any of them demean him- 
88 self otherwise, and be faulty and offend therein, and so 
found and adjudged by the Mayor, and Aldermen, and 
“ Common Councell for the time being, there present, or 
88 the major part of them, the party so misdemeaning himself 


366 


“ and offending to be fined for such his misdemeanor 
“ therein, 3«. 4 d. 

(40.) “ Allso, for avoiding of confusion and disorderly 
“ and superfluous speeches and talk in the said assemblies 
“ a °d meetings of the said Common Councell as aforesaid; 
“ it is also ordered and established, that all and every the said 
" meetings none shall speak or talk while another is speak- 
“ mg, neither talk one with another after silence is com- 
“ inand to be kept by Mr. Mayor or the Alldermen for the 
“ time being, but that every one shall give attentive ear to him 
6i that speaketh untill he hath ended his speech, who shall 
“ direct all his speech to the Mayor if present, and if absent, 
“ to the Alldermen, and that to the matter propounded and 
“ then in question, upon paine of paying for every such 
“ oflence 1*2 d. 

(41.) “ Allso, it is agreed that if any of the Common 
“ Councell of this Borough shall reveal or disclose any 
“ matter communed or treated of in the said meetings and 
“ assemblies which is to be kept secret, or that which shall 
“ turne to the hurt or displeasure of the whole Common 
“ Councell, or any one or more of them, the parties soe 
“ offending shall loose and forfeit for every time 20 s. to be 
“ levyed by action of debt or distress of the offender’s goods. 

(42.) “ Allso, it is ordained that the Bailiffs of this 
“ Borough and Parish or either of them during the time of 
“ their office, shall not compound or make any composition 
“ or bargain with any person or persons repairing to this 
“ Borough and Markett for their custome and toll by the 
“ year or otherwise, but shall weekly take and receive the 
“ same as it ariseth and happeneth to become due; and also 
li that they shall not attach any person or persons upon any 
“ plaint in the Castle Court, without they and every of them 
“ make use of tipp staves (beyond the memory of man used) 
“ by the said Bailiffs within the said Borough, in all attach- 


367 


“ nnents used in the said Courts, and that the same Bailiffs 
“ for the time being, shall take for serving every attachment 
“ 6ek, as hath been formerly accustomed to be paid and noe 
“ ra °re, and shall be ssvorn in the Court of Record of the 
“ Borough and Parish of Barnestaple, or on the Law-day 
“ Court of the said Borough next after their election, upon 
“ paiue of forfeiture of 40s. to the Corporation of Barnestaple 
“ aforesaid. 

(43.) “ AI Iso, it is ordained that all the free Burgesses 

“ °* Bie Borough and Parish of Barnestaple shall do suit 
“ yearly to the two Law-day Courts, holden in the Guildhall 
“ of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, before the Mayor 
“ a »d Steward of the said Borough and Parish for the time 
“ being, and every one making default and having noe 
“ Iawfull excuse, shall be amerced at every of the said 
“ Courts for such his default, 6c/. 

(44.) “ Allso, it is further ordained and established, to 
“ avoid the abuses and cheats in weighing yearn and wooll 
“ at private beams, that all those that do buy any yearn or 
“ wooll within the liberty of this Borough and Parish of Bar- 
“ nestaple, shall immediately thereupon bring and weigh the 
“ same at their Majesty’s beam within this Borough, as hath 
“ been accustomed, upon paine on the Buyer of 6s. 8 d. for 
“ every such offence, to be recovered by action of debt or 
“ by distress of the offender’s goods. 

(45.) This excellent, but scarcely known “ ordinance,” 
provides, that “ for the avoiding of the great inconvenientcy, 
“ damage and hurt tjiat may happen to this Borough, or the 
“ Inhabitants thereof, by fire, It is ordained, established, and 
“* ordered, that no Potter, Brewer, or Baker, within this 
“ Town and Borough, or the Liberties of the same, shall 
“ from henceforth erect, make, or set up any ffurse Rick or 
“ Wood Rick within this Town and Borough of Barnestaple, 
“ in any of their Yards or Backsides of their Houses, unless 



368 


“ the same can be erected at least Ten Land Yards [105 feet] 
“ from any House within the said Town and Borough, upon 

Paine and Penalty of 5 1.” 

It also enacts, that “ no Inhabitant of this Town shall re- 
“ ceive or take into their Houses or Yards, any more Furse 
“ at any one time, than they or either of them shall burn 
“ and consume in twenty-four hours next after the bringing 
“ in of the same Furse, upon paine of loosing' 20$. for every 
4 ' time*” 

(46.) <s Allso, it is further ordained and agreed that the 
“ Mayor and Alldermen of the Borough and Parish of 
“ Barnestaple aforesaid for the time being, and all the 
” residue of the Common Councell of the same Borough and 
“ Parish for the time being, shall yearly from time to time 
“ upon the Fair Day to be kept within the same Borough, 
“ meett together at the Guildhall there, at one of the clock 
“ hi the afternoon of the same day, and forthwith from thence 
“ go altogether in comely manner about the same Borough 
“ as in times past they have accustomed to do, and that 
“ every one of the said Common Councell for the time being 
“ that maketh default, and doth not repair to the said Guild- 
“ hall at the said hour appointed, haveing noe good and 
“ lawfull excuse to the contrary, shall forfeit and loose to 
“ the use of the Corporation of the Borough and Parish of 
** Barnestaple aforesaid 6$. 8 d, 

(47.) “ Allso, it is agreed and ordained that the Mayor of 
“ the Borough and Parish of Barnestaple aforesaid for the 
“ time being, shall from henceforth call to his assistance 
“ at the Guildhall within the said Borough every Thursday 
“ fortnight, the Common Councell of this Borough and 
“ Parish for the time being, to meet there and assemble for 
“ the treating* on, and taking into consideration whatsoever 

shall be thought fitt, necessary, and convenient for the 
“ welfare, reputation, honor, and good government of this 


369 


“ Corporation ; and that this meeting shall be at nine of the 
“ clock in the forenoon of every of the same days, and the 
“ first meeting to be the Thursday sennight next after the 
“ Mayor for the time being shall be svvorne, and thenceforth 
“ to continue as aforesaid. 

(48.) “ Allso, it is agreed and ordained that noe Burgess 
“ shall colour the goods of a Foreigner, whereby this Cor- 
** poration may be defrauded of the receipt and enjoyment 
“ of those duties which shall grow due for the same goods, 
u on paine of 5 1, to be recovered by action of debt or distress 
“ of the offender’s goods, or disfranchisement of the offender 
“ for acting contrary to his oath, at the choice and discretion 
“ of the Mayor, Alldermen, and Capitall Burgesses, or the 
“ major part of them, for the time being. 

(49.) Allso, that within three months next after any 
“ person is elected to be one of the Common Councell, he 
“ shall provide for himself a comely gown, to be worn by 
“ him in conformity to the rest of the Common Councell of 

this Borough, upon paine of forfeiting 5/. to the use of the 
“ Corporation, to be levyed by way of distress of the 
“ offender’s goods, and for every month after that time that 
“ such person shall continue in contempt to forfeit 205. to 
“ be levyed by distress as aforesaid, and weare the same 
“ every Sunday at Church with the rest of the brotherhood, 
“ on paine of forfeiting 12 d. for every default. 

(50.) “ Allso, that the Mayor for the time being, and 
“ such as have been Mayor of this Town of Barnestaple, 
“ shall yearly wear their scarlet robes on the days following 
“ viz. the day of the election of the new Mayor, the eighth 
“ of September, the fifth of November, Christmas Day, 
« Easter Day, Whitsunday, and the nine and twentieth day 
“ of May. 

(51.) “ Also, that whereas the land belonging to this 
« Town of Barnestaple and the Long Bridge of the same 


370 


‘are by deeds demised and granted unto several persons of 
“ this Town as FeofFes in trust for the same, that henceforth 
“ no bargain, sale, lease,"nor grant of any lands or tene- 
" menfs, garden or rents, belonging to the Corporation of 
“ this Towne or Long Bridge aforesaid, in possession, 
“ revertion,remainder, or in use of obligation or acquittance, 
“ annuity or pension, to be made to any person or persons 
“ for term of life, years, or in fee, by the said Feoffees or 
“ their successors, by writing under the common seale, or 
u any other private seales of the said Feoffees, to the preju- 
“ dice of the Corporation, nor contracted for, but publickly 
“ in the Guildhall, and that for all the several fines, monies, 
“ profits, and receipts Avhatsoever resulting from the same, 
** the Feoffees and their successors shall be accountable to 
“ the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Councell of the Town 
“ for the time being, and make payment unto them accord- 
“ ing, for the use of the Corporation, and that no person or 
“ persons, officer or officers whatsoever, shall presume to 
“ do any high or weighty matter touching the Corporation 
“ or liberty of the Town, but by publick consent of the 
“ Common Councell or the major part of them, upon paine 
“ that such offender or offenders shall make such satisfaction 
“ to the Corporation as shall be answerable to the said pre- 
“ judice done, to be recovered by action of debt or distress, 
“ and further shall suffer and undergoe such other fine for 
“ his misdemeanor and breach of this order as shall be 
“ suitable to the demeritt of the said offence, to be levyed 
“ also by action of debt or distress as aforesaid. 


CHRISTOPHER HUNT, MAYOR 
RICHARD BARNES, 



RICHARD SALISBURY 


WILLIAM WESCOMBE 


HUGH MARSHALL 


JOHN PEARD 


WILLIAM WAKEMAN 


JOHN BLAKE 


JOHN PRIDEAUX 



371 


NICHOLAS COOKE 
JAMES KIMFLAND 
JAMES KIMPLAND, JUN, 
JOHN HUNT 


JEFFERY BAGGLEHOLE 
JOHN LAW 
NICHOLAS GINGAR 


“ We doe, as much as in us Jyeth, ratifye, confirme, and 
“ allow of these Bye Laws. Witness our hands and seals 
“ the three and twentieth day of September, 1690. 


“ P. UMBRIS.” 

*** The first signature is illegible. 


[D.] 


Charter of King Henry II. (date uncertain.)* 


•* Henry, King of England, and Duke of Normandy and 
“ Aquitain, and Earl of Anjou, to the Archbishops, Bishops, 
" and Barons, and my faithful men, French and English, 
“ greeting. Know ye that 1 have granted to the Burgesses of 
“ the Borough of Barnstaple,all the right customs which they 
“ had in the time of King Henry, [my Grandfather, having 
removed all the bad customs after my Grandfather there 
•• arisen. Know ye that they have the customs of London, 
“ and so testify before me that they and the Barons of London 
“ so freely, honorably, and justly have the same as ever they 
u better had in the time of my Grandfather. Witness Am. 
t( Bishop of Excester, and Reginald Earl of Cornwall, and 
“ Thomas Chancellor of London*” 

* This Charter appears never to have been dated. The copy in the 
Tower is “ without date,” as is also that (if they possess one ) in the 
Hands of the Corporation. 

3 A 







372 


[E-] 


Charter of King Henry L to the City of London . 


(This Charter, with two others, one by King Henry II., 
the other by Richard ]., both confirmatory of the first Henry’s, 
appear to have been procured at an early period by the Bur¬ 
gesses of Barnstaple, that they might know to what privileges 
they were entitled in having “ The Customs of London.”) 

“ Henry, by the Grace of God, King of England, To the 
“ Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishops, and Abbotts, 
“ and Earls, and Barons, and Justices, and Sheriffs, and all 
“ his faithful men, French and English, of all England, 
“ Greeting. Know ye, that I have granted to my citizens 
6 of London to hold Middlesex at Farm for 300/. at accoumpt 
“ to them and their Heirs, of me and my Heirs, so that the 
“ same Citizens may put such Sheriff as they shall chuse of 
“ themselves, and any other my Justice whomsoever they 
“ will, from among themselves, to keep the Pleas of my 
“ Crown, and to Plead the same; and none other shall be 
iS Justice over the same men of London. And the citizens 
“ shall be quit of schot and lot, and of danegelt, and of 
“ murder;* and none of them shall make w>ar. And if any 
“ of the Citizens shall be impleaded of Pleas of the Crown, 
“ the man of London shall justify himself by oath, that he 
u will be adjudged within the City, and no one, neither of 
“ my household nor of any other, shall be lodged, nor de- 
“ livered by foreign force, within the walls of the city; and 

* This crime was anciently punishable by a fine called Were or Were- 
guild, “ in old customs the price of homicide; paid partly to the King for 
“ the loss of a subject, partly to the Lord whose vassal he was, and partly 
“ to the next of kin of the person slain.” The penalty at this time is 
said to have been 1005. 



373 


“ all the men of London, all of them throughout all England 
“ and the seaports, shall be quit and free of toll, and passage, 
44 and lastage, and all other customs ; and the Churches 
44 and Barons, and Citizens, may have and hold, well and in 
44 peace, their Sokes with all customs, so that the Guests who 
44 shall be lodged in Stokes, give customs to 1 no one but to 
44 him whose stoke it shall be, or his Minister whom he shall 
4 have placed there. And a man of London shall not be 
4 adjudged in amerciament of money, unless the mulct 
44 amounts to the sum of 100s. that being the amount of his 
“ wear. 1 speak of a plea which may appertain to money. 
44 And further, that there be no miskenning in the hustings, 
“ nor in the folksmote, nor in other pleas within the city, and 
“ the hustings shall sit once in the week, (that is to say,) on 
44 Monday. And I will cause my Citizens to have their 
44 Lands, and Recognizances, and Debts, within the City and 
44 without. And of the lands whereof they shall complain 
44 to me, I will hold to them right by the Law of the City ; 
44 and if any one hath taken toll or custom from my citizens 
44 of London, the Citizens of London in the City shall take of 
“ the Borough or Town, where the toll or custom shall have 
44 been taken, so much as the man of London gave for the 
44 loll, and the damage that he hath received thereupon, 
44 And all debtors who owe debts to the Citizens of London, 
44 shall pay them in London, or justify themselves that they 
44 ought not; but if they will not pay the same, neither come 
44 to justify themselves that they ought not to pay the same, 
44 then the Citizens of London to whom their debts are 
44 owing, may take their distresses in the City of London, of 
44 the Borough or Town, or of the County, wherein he who 
44 owes the debt dwells. And the citizens of London may 
44 have their chases to hunt as their ancestors have better and 
44 more fully had, (that is to say,) in Cheltre, and in Middle- 
44 sex, and in Surry. Witness, the Bishop of Winchester, 
44 and at Westminster.” 


374 


[F.] 

Charter of King John .—1200. 


u J° H N, by the Grace of God, King of England, Lord of 
“ Ireland, Duke of Normandy, Aquatain, and Earl of Anjou, 
t( to ^ le Archbishops, Bishops, Abbotts, Priors, Earls, Ba¬ 
rons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and all his 
Bailiffs and faithful men, greeting. Know ye that we 
have granted to our Burgesses of the Borough of Barnsta- 
“ pie, al! the right customs which they had in the time of 
“ King Henry our Great Grandfather having removed all 
“ the bad customs which after our Great Grandfather there 
“ arose. And know ye, that they have the customs of 
“ London as the Charter of the King our Father reasonably 
“ testify. Also we will and firmly command and by this our 
“ Present Charter have confirmed that the same Burgesses 
“ of the Borough aforesaid be quit of toll, passage, pontage, 
* ( as well in lands as in waters,'as well in fairs as in markets, 
“ an d of all secular service and custom throughout all our 
“ lands on this side the sea, and beyond and through all 
“ our Dominion which King Richard our brother granted to 
“ them, as much as to the King belongs. And we prohibit 
“ that any one disturb them hereupon, or do them injury, 
“ molestation, or grievance, upon forfeiture to us. Nor that 
“ any Burgess of the Borough of Barnstaple aforesaid, 
when they shall pass through our Land, be disturbed 
“ or be permitted to be disturbed for the debt of others, 
“ mdess they be debtors or the sureties of such debtors. 

Moreover we ^rant of our gift that they may be 
“ quit of lastage and stallage throughout all our land as 
“ much as to us belongs. Witness, William Marshall Earl 
of Pembroke, William Brewer, Robert Turnham, John 



375 


“ Marshall. Given by the hands of Thomas William Arch- 
“ deacon, John de Gray Archdeacon of Gloucester, at 
“ Salisbury, on the fifteenth day of June, in the second 
“ year of our Reign.” 


[G.] 


Charier of King Henry ///.—J23G. 


“ Henry, by the Grace of God, King of England, Lord 
“ of Ireland, and Duke of Normandy and Acquitain, and 
M Earl of Anjou, to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, 
“ Priors, Earls, Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves, Minis- 
“ ters, and all my Bailiffs and faithful men, greeting. Know 
44 ye that we have seen the Charter of the Lord John our 
44 Father, which he made to our Burgesses of the Borough 
44 of Barnstaple, in these words. [Here the Charter of 
44 King John is recited.] We, therefore, holding valid 
44 the grants of the aforesaid King John our Father, and 
44 King Henry our Grandfather, and King Richard our 
“ Uncle, of which mention is made in the Charter of the 
<! aforesaid King, the same for us anil our Heirs, do grant, 
44 and by this our present Charter have confirmed, as the 
“ Charters of our aforesaid Predecessors of the Kingdom of 
44 England, which thereof they have, do reasonably testify. 
44 These being Witnesses, Simon de Monlford, De Ralejh 
4 ‘ Treasurer of Excester, John Fitz-Geoffry Ahnande, Saint 
44 Amando, Nicholas De Merlis, Bichard de Gray, John de 
44 Pleyster, Hammond Fitz-Philip, William Gernoun, Emene 
44 de Say, and others, Given by the hand of the venerable 
44 Father Robert Bishop of Chichester our Chancellor, at 
44 Westminster, the twentieth day of March, in the twenty- 
44 first year of our Reign.” 





376 


[H.] 


Inspeximus Charter of King Henry VI, —1444. 


“ Henry, by the Grace of God, King of England and 
u France, and Lord of Ireland, to all to whom these present 
“ letters shall come, greeting. We have seen a certain 
“ transcript of a certain Charter of the Lord Henry, late 
" King of England, after the Conquest the third our proge- 
“ nitor remaining amongst the former records of the Chan- 
“ eery of the Kingdom of England, being within the Tower 
u of London, in these words.” (Here follows the Inspeximus 
of Henry III., of the Charter of John, which it recites at 
length ; also an Inspeximus by Edward II. of the Charter of 
Edward I. which recapitulates and confirms that of Henry II. 
and takes notice of the abovementioned one of Henry III.) 

** And, we holding firm and valid the said grants and con- 
<l firmations, the same for us and our Heirs as much as in us 
u lies, Do grant unto the aforesaid Burgesses and their Suc- 
** cessors, as the Charters aforesaid reasonably testify. 
u Willing moreover to do the same Burgesses more ample 
grace for a fine which they have made with us, we have 
grauted to them for us and our Heirs, that although they 
“ or their predecessors have not hitherto used the Liberties 
** above written, or either of them in any case arising, yet 
u they, and their Heirs and Successors, Burgesses of the 
“ same Borough, may nevertheless hereafter fully enjoy 
** and use the same liberties and every of them, without the 
“ hinderance and impediment of us or our heirs, or our 
" Ministers whomsoever. Moreover, for the fine aforesaid we 
“ have granted to them, for us and our Heirs, and by this our 
w Charier have confirmed for the amelioration of the aforesaid 
“ Borough of Barnstaple, and the advantage of the Burgesses 



377 


“ of the same Borough, that they may so much the more 
“ quietly attend to their businesses, that none of them shall 
“ plead or be impleaded before us or our Heirs, or any of 
“ the Justices of us and our Heirs, without the Borough of 
*‘ Barnstaple aforesaid, of Lands or Tenements which are 
“ within the bounds and limits of the Borough aforesaid, or 
“ in the same suburbs, or of Trespasses or Contracts or 
“ other things whatsoever in the same Borough of Barnstaple 
“ and the Suburbs made or arising. But all such Pleas 
“ which before us or our Heirs, or any of our [Justices] of 
“ the Bench or others, shall happen to be summoned or 
u attached without the Borough and Suburbs aforesaid, to 
“ be pleaded before the Mayor and Bailiffs for the time being, 
“ within the Borough aforesaid, shall be pleaded and deter- 
“ mined, unless the same Pleas touch us, or our Heirs, or 
" our Ministers, or the Comonality of the Borough of Barn- 
“ staple aforesaid. And that they be not put with foreign 
" men in any Assizes, Juries, or Inquisitions, which by reason 
“ of tenement, or trespasses, or other foreign business what- 
“ soever, before the Justices, or other the Ministers of us 
“ or our Heirs, shall happen to be done, nor that the same 
‘‘ foreign men be put with the same Burgesses in any Assizes, 
i( Juries, or Inquisitions, which by reason of Land or Tene- 
“ ment being in the same Borough and Suburbs, or of tres- 
« passes, or contracts, or other intrinsic businesses, there 
« shall happen to be taken, but the same assizes, juries, and 
“ inquisitions of those things, which in the said Borough and 
“ Suburbs shall have arisen, shall be made by the Burgesses 
“ of the same Borough in the same Borough only, unless the 
same businesses concern us or our Heirs, or the Comonality 
“ of the aforesaid Borough of Barnstaple. And that they 

“ may have Infangenethef and Outfangenethef, and that of 

« any Pleas within the said Borough and Suburbs aforesaid 
« arising, that they shall not be tried by Foreigners but only 


378 


“ by their Burgesses, unless the same business concern us or 
“ our Heirs, or our Ministers, or the Comonality of the said 
“ Borough of Barnstaple aforesaid, and that the Burgesses of 
“ the Borough aforesaid and their Heirs and Successors, 
“ Burgesses of the same Boroug h be for ever quit of murage, 
“ pavage, piccage, anchorage, standage, and segiage of all 
their things, goods, and merchandizes, throughout all our 
“ Kingdom and Dominion. These being witnesses, &c. 
“ Given,&c. and we the tenors of the transcripts aforesaid, at 
“ the request of the now Mayor and Burgesses of the Town 
“ aforesaid, have commanded to be exemplified by these 
“ presents. In testimony whereof we have caused these our 
( * letters to be made Patent. Witness ourselves at West- 
“ minster, the eighth day of March, in the twenty-third year 
“ of our Reign.” 


no 


Charter of Philip and Mary,— 1556, 


“ Philip and Mary, by the Grace of God, King and 
“ Queen of England, Spain, France, to the Sicily’s, Jeru- 
“ salem, and Ireland, Defenders of the Faith, Archdukes of 
“ Austria, Dukes of Burgundy, Milan, and Brabant, Earls 
“ of Strasburgh, Flanders, and Ferol, to all to whom these 
“ present letters shall come, Greeting. Whereas our 
“ Borough of Barnstaple, in the County of Devon, is a very 
“ Ancient Borough, and having in itself one Mayor, two 
“ Bailiffs, and other Officers and Ministers, by whom the said 
“ Borough, and the Men and Inhabitants of the same, from 
“ time whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary, 
“ have been governed and hitherto are still governed. And 
“ which Men, Burgesses, and Inhabitants of the same 





379 


“ Borough, from time whereof the memory of man is not to 
the contrary, have continually had and enjoyed, as well 
of the grant and quit of divers of our Progenitors, Kings 
** of England, as by prescription, many acquittances, irnmu- 
“ nities, rights, jurisdictions, liberties, franchises, and privi- 
“ l e ges, whereupon and because the said Burgesses and 
“ Inhabitants of the said Borough cf Barnstaple have humbly 
“ besought us for a remedy thereof by them to be had, and 
“ that we would vouchsafe sufficiently to incorporate the 
“ same Borough and the Inhabitants thereof, and to make 
“ thereof a Body Corporate, 

b “ Know ye therefore, that we, favouring the petition 
“ aforesaid, of our special grace and of our certain 
“ knowledge and meer motion, have granted, and for us 
“ the Heirs and Successors of us the aforesaid Queen, by 
“ these presents do grant, to the Burgesses and Inhabit- 
“ ants of the said Borough of Barnstaple, that the said 
“ Borough of Barnstaple hereafter be and shall be a free 
“ Borough Corporate, in deed, fact, and name of one 
“ Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses for ever; and the same 
“ Borough a body Corporate and Politic of itself for ever, 
“ of one Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, really and 
“ fully, we erect, make, and create by these presents; and 
“ that the Inhabitants of the same Borough hereafter be and 
“ shall be one body Corporate and Politic, and one perpe- 
“ tual Commonalty in deed, fact, and name, by the name of 
“ the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough of 
“ Barnstaple, and that they may have perpetual succession. 

c “ And that they by the same name be and shall be 
“ persons able and capable in the Law to have, acquire, 
“ receive, hold, and possess Lands, Tenements, Liberties, 
“ Franchises, and Hereditaments, to them and their sue- 
“ cessors in fee and perpetuity. 

3 A 


380 


d “ And by the same name they may and shall be able 
“ to plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, 
“ defend and be defended, in any courts and places, and 
“ before any Judge or Justices, or other persons whom- 
“ soever, in all and singular actions, plaints, causes, matters, 
“ and demands, of what kind or nature soever they be, in 
“ the same manner and form as other our liege subjects, 
“ persons able and capable in the Law, may and can 
“ plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend 
“ and be defended. 

e " And that they may and shall have a common seal 
“ for the doing and transacting their causes and businesses 
“ whatsoever, and that it may and shall be lawful to them 
“ and their successors, at their pleasure, to break, change, 
“ and make anew the aforesaid seal. 

/ “ And also we will, and for us and the Heirs and Suc- 
u cessors of the aforesaid Queen, by these presents do grant 
“ to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, and their 
“ Successors, that hereafter and for ever there be and shall 
“ be in the aforesaid Borough of Barnstaple, twenty-four of 
“ the more discreet and honest men of the said Borough, 
“ who shall be and shall be called Capital Burgesses of the 
“ same Borough, and out of which twenty-four Burgesses 
“ from time to time there may and shall be two of the elder 
“ and more honest of them, who shall be called Aldermen 
“ of the said Borough, and which Aldermen and Capital 
“ Burgesses shall be assisting and aiding the said Mayor of 
“ the same Borough for the time being, in causes and matters 
“ touching the same Borough, and shall be the Common 
“ Council of the same Borough, for the Statutes, Acts, and 
“ Ordinances touching and concerning the public utility 
(i and advantage of the same Borough and the Inhabitants 
“ thereof, for the time being, by them or the major part of 
“ them, with the Mayor of the same Borough for the time 


331 


“ being, from time to time to be done and performed, for 
“ the better government and rule of the men, and the 
“ causes, things, and businesses of the said Borough for 
“ the time being. 

g “ And further we will, and for us and the Heirs and Sue- 
M cessors of us the aforesaid Queeu, by these presents grant 
“ to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, and 
“ their Successors, that they and their Successors, by their 
“ Common Council or the major part of them, may have 
“ authority, faculty, and power to frame, constitute, ordain, 
“ and make from time to time any reasonable laws, statutes, 
“ and ordinances whatsoever, for the government and rule 
“ of the Artificers of the Borough aforesaid, for the time 
“ being, as shall be good and necessary for the Common- 
“ wealth of the said Borough and the countries adjoining, 
“ and for the better government of the same, so that the 
“ said laws, statutes, and ordinances be not repugnant nor 
“ contrary to the laws and statutes of the Kingdom of 
“ England, of us and the Heirs of us the aforesaid Queen. 

h “ And tfiat all and singular the premises may have the 
“ better effect, Know ve that we of our more ample grace, 
“ and of our certain knowledge and meer motion, have 
“ assigned, nominated, made, and ordained, and by these 
“ presents do assign, nominate, make, and ordain our beloved 
“ George Stapleton, an honest man and an Inhabitant of the 
“ said Borough of Barnstaple, to be the first and present 
“ Mayor of the said Borough of Barnstaple, faithfully to 
“ execute the office of Mayor of the same Borough by his 
*« Oath, until the Feast of St. Michael the. Archangel next 
“ coming, and from the same Feast until another person 
“ shall be elected, and in due manner sworn faithfully to 
“ execute the same office; and the same George Stapleton 
“ we do by these presents make, create, constitute and 
“ declare to be Mayor of the Borough aforesaid during 


382 


“ the time aforesaid. And also we have assigned, nominated 
“ made, and ordained, and by these presents do assign, 
nominate, make, and ordain our beloved Thomas Davy the 
“ Elder, and Roger Wrothe, to be the first and present 
“ Aldermen of the said Borough of Barnstaple. And also 
“ we have assigned, nominated, made, and ordained, and by 
“ these presents do assign, nominate, make, and ordain our 
“ beloved Richard Skinner, James Goddesland, Robert 
“ Apple, Robert Cade, John Manning, John Smith, William 
“ Salisbury, William Pawle, Thomas Gribble, John Bird, 
“ Robert Long, Richard Downe, William Dawkins, David 
“ Haync, Richard Waydridge, Edward Colscott, John Hol- 
“ land, John Darte, Nicholas Morcombe, Nicholas Chelenger, 
" Nicholas Wychalls, and Hugh Brangers, to be the first 
“ and present principal Burgesses of the said Borough of 
“ Barnstaple; and the aforesaid Aldermen and principal 
“ Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, upon their Oath 
“ corporally taken before the aforesaid George Stapleton, 
“ the present Mayor aforesaid, we do by these presents 
“ make, create, constitute, and declare to be the Common 
“ Council of the same Borough. 

i “ And also of our more ample grace we will, and of 
“ our certain knowledge and meer motion for us the 
“ Heirs and Successors of us the aforesaid Queen, by 
“ these presents grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, 
“ and Burgesses of the said Borough of Barnstaple, that 
“ they the aforesaid Capital Burgesses and Common Council 
“ for the tune being, or the major part of them, from time 
“ to time every year hereafter for ever, on Monday next 
“ before the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin 
“ Mary, between the hours of nine and twelve in the forenoon 
“ of the same day, do assemble, and may and shall be 
“ able to assemble within the s GuiIdhall of the aforesaid 
“ Borough, or in any other convenient place within the 


383 


“ same Borough, and may and shal! be able there to nomi- 
“ nate and assign one of themselves who shall be the Mayor 
u of the Borough aforesaid, for one whole year then next 
44 coming. 

j “ And that he, after he shall have been so as 
“ aforesaid elected to be Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, 
“ before he be admitted to execute the same office, shall take 
“ his corporal oath, on Monday next following the Feast of 
“ Saint Faith, after the nomination and election aforesaid, 
“ before the Mayor, being his last predecessor, in the Guild- 
“ hall or in any other convenient place within the Borough 
44 aforesaid, in the presence of the Aldermen and ten other 
44 Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid for the time 
“ being, well and faithfully to execute the said office ; and 
44 after such oath so taken, he may and shall be able to 
44 execute the office of Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for 
44 one whole year then next following. 

k 44 And moreover we will, and for us the Heirs and 
44 Successors of us the aforesaid Queen, by those presents 
“ grant unto the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses 
u of the Borough aforesaid, that if it shall happen that the 
44 Mayor of the Borough aforesaid at any time within one 
“ year after he shall have been so as aforesaid appointed 
44 and sworn to the office of Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, 
44 shall die or from his office be amoved, that then and so 
44 often it shall and may be lawful to the aforesaid Aldermen 
44 and Capital Burgesses of the Common Council of the 
44 Borough aforesaid for the time being, or the major part 
44 of them, to elect and appoint another of themselves to be 
44 Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and that he so elected 
44 and appointed may have and exercise the same office 
44 during the residue of the same year, first taking his 
44 corporal oath in form aforesaid, and so as often as the case 
44 shall thus happen. 


384 


l “ And we will, and by these presents for us, the 
“ Heirs and Successors of us the aforesaid Queen, grant 
“ to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of 
“ the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that the said 
“ Aldermen and Burgesses of the Common Council of the 
“ Borough aforesaid for the time being, or the major part of 
“ them, from time to time and at all times hereafter for ever, 
“ may and shall have power and authority yearly and every 
“ year, on the said Monday next before the aforesaid Feast 
“ of the assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary, to elect and 
“ nominate, and that they may and shall be able to elect and 
“ nominate two out of themselves to be the Aldermen of the 
“ Borough aforesaid, for one whole year thence next coining, 
“ and that they so as aforesaid elected and nominated, before 
“ they be admitted to execute the same office of Aldermen, 
“ shall take their corporal oath, on Monday next after the 
“ Feast of Saint Faith, after the nomination and election 
“ aforesaid, before the Mayor and Aldermen so then being 
“ their Predecessors, in the presence of ten other Capital 
“ Burgesses for the time being, well and faithfully to execute 
“ the same office of Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, and 
“ that after such oath so taken they shall and may be able 
“ to execute the office of Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid 
“ for one whole year then next following. 

m “ And moreover we will, and for us and the Heirs and 
“ Successors of us the aforesaid Queen, by these presents 
“ grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses 
“ of v the Borough aforesaid and their Successors, that if 
“ it shall happen that the Aldermen of the Borough 
aforesaid or either of them, at any time within one year 
“ after he or they shall have been so as aforesaid appointed 
“ and sworn to the office of Aldermen of the Borough 
“ aforesaid, shall die, or from his or their office be amoved, 
“ that then and so often it shall and may be lawful to 


385 


“ the aforesaid Capital Burgesses for the time being, or 
16 die major part of them, to elect and appoint one 
“ other or others out of themselves to be Alderman or 
“ Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, and that he or they 
“ so elected and appointed may have and exercise the same 
“ office during the remainder of the same year, first taking 
“ his or their Corporal oath in form aforesaid; and so as often 
“ as the case shall thus happen. 

n “ And we will, and by these presents ordain, and 
u for us and the Heirs and Successors of us the afore- 
“ said Queen grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, 
" and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their 
“ Successors, that as often as and whensoever it may 
“ happen that any of the Capital Burgesses of Barnsta- 
“ pie for the time being, shall die, or out of the said 
“ Borough shall dwell, or from his office of Burgess of the 
“ same Borough for any cause be amoved, that then and so 
“ often it shall and may be lawful to the Mayor, Aldermen, 
“ and residue of the Capital Burgesses of the same Borough 
“ for the time being, from time to time when and whenso- 
u ever it shall please and seem expedient to them, within 
“ eight days next after the death or amotion of the said 
“ Burgesses, in the aforesaid Guildhall or in any other 
« convenient place within the Borough aforesaid, at their 
“ pleasure to assemble, and there to nominate and elect one 
fi or more of the other persons then Inhabitants of the said 
“ Borough of Barnstaple to be the Burgess or Burgesses of 
“ the same Borough during his or their life or lives; and 
“ that every person so nominated and elected, from the time 
“ of such election, shall be a Burgess or Burgesses of the 
41 of the same Borough during his or their life or lives; or 
i( otherwise if it shall so seem good and expedient to the 
“ Mayor, Aldermen, and other Burgesses of the said Borough 
“ of Barnstaple for the time being, and the person so 


386 


“ nominated and elected and to be nominated and elected 
“ to the office of Capital Burgess of the said Borough, shall 
“ take his Corporal oath before the Mayor of the same 
“ Borough, well and failhfully to exercise and execute the 
“ office of Capital Burgess of the same Borough; and so 
“ as often as the case shall thus happen. 

o “ And further of our more abundant grace we will, and 
“ f° r us and the Heirs and Successors of us the aforesaid 
Queen, by these presents grant unto the aforesaid Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and 
“ their Successors, that they and their Successors for the time 
“ bei »g> or the major part of them, may and shall be able to 
“ elect, nominate, and appoint, from time to time at all future 
“ times hereafter for ever, yearly and every year, on the said 
Monday next before the said Feast of the assumption of 
“ the blessed Virgin Mary, so many and such other Consta- 
“ bles and other inferior Officers and Ministers within the 
Borough aforesaid, as and which the Burgesses or Govern- 
“ ors of the aforesaid Borough of Barnstaple before the date 
of these presents have had or have been accustomed to 
“ have within the Borough aforesaid ; and such Ministers or 
“ Officers, to their offices severally in one manner elected 
“ and nominated, shall be sworn before the Mayor, Alder- 
“ men, and ten Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, 
“ well and faithfully to execute their Offices, and that they 
“ so elected and appointed may so severally have and 
“ execute their offices for one whole year then next follow- 
“ ing ; and as often and whensoever it shall happen that the 
“ Constables and other the inferior Officers or Ministers of 
“ 6te Borough aforesaid, or any or either of them die, or 
“ from his or their office be amoved, within one year after 
“ they shall have been so appointed and sworn to their 
“ offices aforesaid, that then and so often it may and shall 
“ be lawful for the afonesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital 


387 


“ Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the time being, or 
* the major part of them, to elect and appoint one other or 
“ others in the place of him or them on being amoved, within 
“ eight days then next following, and that he or they so 
“ elected and appointed to the same offices to which they 
“ shall have been so elected, nominated, and appointed, may 
“ have and exercise the same during the remainder of the 
“ same year, his or their Corporal oath being first taken in 
“ form aforesaid, and this as often as the case shall thus 
“ happen. 

p " And further, of our more ample grace, and of our 
** certain knowledge and meer motion, we will, and by these 
presents for us and the Heirs and Successors of us the 
“ aforesaid Queen, grant unto the aforesaid Mayor, Alder- 
“ men, and Burgesses of the said Borough of Barnstaple, 
“ and their Successors, that they may have and enjoy all the 
“ customs, liberties, franchises, iftimunities, exemptions, 
“ acqufttances, and jurisdictions, which the Burgesses of the 
“ said Borough of Barnstaple, and which the Mayor and 
<c Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, and which the Inhabit- 
“ ants of the same Borough, or any or either of them, by 
any name or names whatsoever, or by any incorporation, 
“ or by pretext of any incorporation, have heretofore had, 
“ held, or enjoyed, or ought to have had, held, or enjoyed, 
“ by reason or pretext of any Charters or Letters patent, 
“ by us or by any of the Progenitors of us the afore- 
“ said Queen, Kings of this Kingdom of England, in any 
“ wise howsoever, heretofore made, confirmed, and granted, 
or by any lawful manner, right, custom, use, prescription, 
“ or title, heretofore used, had, and accustomed. 

q “ And further of our more ample grace, and of our 
“ certain knowledge and meer motion, we will, and for us 
“ and the Heirs and Successors of us the aforesaid Queen, 
•* by these presents grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, 

3 B 


388 


ami Burgesses of tlie said Borough of Barnstaple, and 
“ their Successors, that they may and shall have within the 
“ said Borough of Barnstaple, and the bounds and limits 
“ thereof, assize and assay of bread, wine, and beer. 

r “ And further, know ye, that we of our more ample 
i( grace, and of our certain knowledge and rneer motion, 
“ have given and granted, and by these presents for us, the 
“ Heirs and Successors of us, the aforesaid. Queen, do give 
“ and grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Bur- 
“ gesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, 
“ View of Frankpledge of all and singular the Inhabitants 
“ and Residents, as well entire residents as not entire resi- 
“ dents, within the said Borough of Barnstaple, and within 
“ the bouiids and limits of the same, for the time being, and 
“ from thue to time for ever, and all things to View of 
“ Frankpledge appertaining or belonging, and which shall 
“ or o»ght to belong and appertain, within the aforesaid 
“ Borough of Barnstaple, twice by the year, (to wit) once 
“ within a month next after the Feast of Easter, and the 
“ other time within a month next after the Feast of St. 

Michael the Archangel, to be held before the aforesaid 
“ Mayor and Steward of the Borough aforesaid, or before 
“ the Steward of the same Borough for the time being, 
“ every year. 

* “ And we will, and by these presents for us, the Heirs and 
“ Successors of us, the aforesaid Queen, do grant to the afore- 
“ said Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the said Borough 
“ of Barnstaple, and their Successors, that the same Mayor, 

Aldeimen, and Butgesses, and their Successors, may have 
“ and bold, and may and shall be able to have and hold for 
“ ever, within the Borough aforesaid, one Market every 
“ Friday in every week, and one Fair there yearly to be 
“ holden and kept on the Feast of the Nativity of the blessed 


389 


c< Virgin Mary, anil to continue by three days following’ the 
“ same Feast, and on the eve of the same; together with all 
u profits, commodities, and emoluments whatsoever, from 
u such Market or Fair issuing, arising, or happening, and 
“ with all the liberties and free customs of such Market and 
“ Fair appertaining and belonging, in as ample manner and 
c< form as the Inhabitants of the same Borough have hereto- 
“ fore had and enjoyed. 

t “ And further, know ye, that we, the aforesaid King 
“ and Queen, design to provide for (he protection, defence, 
“ and government of the Orphans and Infants who hereafter 
“ shall and may happen to be in the Borough aforesaid ; 
44 and that the lands, tenements, goods, and chattels of the 
44 same, may hereafter for ever, from time to time, be well, 
44 and faithfully, and justly kept, without waste and des- 
44 truction ; and (hat the same lands, tenements, goods, and 
44 chattels, may be employed and bestowed to the best use 
44 find profit of the same Orphans during their minority, for 
44 the more ample advantage and utility of the same Orphans 
44 and Infants; of our special Grace, and of our certaiu 
“ knowledge and meer motion, will, by these presents, for 
44 us, the Heirs and Successors of us the aforesaid Queen, 
44 grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of 
44 the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that the 
“ Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses of the Borough 
44 aforesaid, for the time being, and their Successors, may 
u and shall have hereafter for ever the custody and govern- 
44 ment of all and singular the Orphans, whomsoever of the 
44 Burgesses and Inhabitants within the Borough aforesaid, 
44 and the liberty of the same. And that they may have and 
44 shall have authority, faculty, and power, to receive, levy, 
* 4 collect, seize, keep, and to cause to be kept in the common 
44 treasury of Ihe JWough aforesaid, by the Chamberlain of 
44 f the Borough aforesaid for the time being, all the goods 


390 


“ and chattels, and the debts and legacies whatsoever, 
“ within the Borough aforesaid, and the precincts of the 
“ same, happening, arising, found, or being, of any Orphan 
“ whomsoever of any Burgesses and Inhabitants of the 
“ Borough aforesaid, hereafter happening to die, and to pul 
“ out, use, bestow, and dispose of the same goods, chattels> 
“ debts, and legacies, to the better use, advantage, and 
“ profit of the same Orphans. And that they shall be 
“ charged with the same goods and chattels, debts and 
“ legacies, towards the aforesaid Orphans; and that the 
“ same goods and chattels, debts aud legacies, together with 
“ the increase and profit thereof, they shall pay.and deliver 
“ to the same Orphans, at such age, in the same manner and 
“ form in all things as in our City of London, now or here- 
“ after in that behalf is or hath been used and accustomed. 
“ And that they may have all and such actions and remedies 
“ for the substruction and taking of any Orphans happening 
“ to come within the same Borough, and for the recovery of 
u the goods, chattels, debts, and legacies of the same, and 
“ all such and the like offices for the better government and 
“ preservation of the same Orphans, and of their goods, 
“ chattels, debts, and legacies, as and which in the aforesaid 
“ City of London, hath heretofore been used, or ought to be 
“ bad. And that they may execute and do all and singular 
“ other the tilings touching such Orphans, and the goods 
“ and chattels, debts and legacies of the same, as in the said 
“ City of London hath been heretofore used to be done, 
“ executed, or performed, and not otherwise, nor in any 
“ other manner; all which things we will, and by these 
“ presents command to he inviolably observed. 

' u “ And we will, and by these presents give and grant 
“ to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the 
“ Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that the Mayor 
and two Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, and their 


391 


“ Successors for the time being, may have and shall have 
“ full power and authority to receive and take to the use of 
“ us, the Heirs and Successors of us, the aforesaid Queen, all 
“ manner of recognizances and oblations of any malefactors 
“ and transgressors whomsoever, who within the liberty 
aforesaid shall offend and trespass against any statutes and 
“ ordinances whatsoever, in our Parliaments [made,] or the 
“ laws of us, the Heirs and Successors of us, the aforesaid 
“ Queen, or of our Progenitors, touching or concerning the 
“ good and public tranquillity and government of ourKing- 
dom of England, and of our subjects, although express 
“ mention of the true yearly value or of any other value or 
“ certainty of the premises or of either of them, or of other 
** gifts and grants by us or by any of the Progenitors and 
“ Predecessors of us the aforesaid Queen, heretofore made 
“ to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the 
“ Borough aforesaid, or their predecessors, is not made in 
“ these presents, or in any statute, act, ordination, provision, 
proclamation, or restriction, to the contrary thereof made, 
“ passed, ordaiued, or provided, or any other thing, cause, or 
“ matter whatsoever, in any wise notwithstanding. 

“ In testimony whereof we have caused these our Letters 
to be made Patent. Witness ourselves at Westminster, 
« the twenty ninth day of May, in the third aud fourth 
“ years of our reign. 

“ By writ of Privy Seal, and of the date aforesaid, 
“ by Authority of Parliament.” 


392 


[J.] 


Charier of King James /.—1610. 


“ The Fifteenth part of Patents of the eighth year of the 
“ reign of King James. 

“ Concerning a grant for the Mayor, Aldermen, 
“ and Burgesses of Barnstaple, to them and 
“ their Successors. 

“ The King, to all to whom, &c. greeting. 
a “ Whereas the Borough of Barnstaple in our County 
of Devon, is a very ancient and populous Borough, and 
“ the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the same Borough 
“ by divers several names from time whereof the memory 
“ of man is not to the contrary, have bad, used, and enjoyed 
“ divers liberties, customs, franchises, immunities, and pre- 
“ eminences, as well by reason and pretext of di rers Charters 
“ and letters patent by divers of our Progenitors and Ances- 
“ tors, late Kings and Queens of England, to them hereto- 
“ fore made, granted, or confirmed, as by reason and 
“ pretext of divers prescriptions, usages, and customs, in the 
“ same Borough anciently used and accustomed. And 
“ whereas our beloved subjects, the Mayor, Aldermen, and 
<f Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, have humbly be- 
“ sought us that we, for the better rule, government, and 
“ amelioration as well of the Borough aforesaid as of the 
“ residue of the whole Parish of Barnstaple, now being* 
“ without the liberty of the Borough aforesaid, would graci- 
ously shew and extend our royal favor and munificence in 
u this behalf, and that we, for the better rule and govern- 
“ ment of the same Borough, and also of the whole Parish 
“ aforesaid, and of all the Inhabitants as well within the 
land heretofore belonging to the Priory of St. Mary Mag- 



393 


“ dalen, and from the Jurisdiction of the Borough aforesaid, 
* 6 now exempt and wholly distinct, and now parcel of the 
“ possessions of the most Honorable William Howard, 
“ Knight, Lord Howard of Effingham, as within all and sin- 
“ gular other the Lands within the same Parish, the said 
u Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough afore- 
'* said, by whatsoever names they now are or heretofore 
“ have been incorporated, would make, ordain, constitute, 
** reduce, and newly create into one body corporate and 
a politic, by the name of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bur- 
** gosses of the Borough and Parish of Barnstaple, in the 
“ County of Devon, with the addition of certain liberties, as 
“ it should seem better to us to be and be done. 

b ” We, therefore, willing that from henceforth for ever, in 
ct the same Boroug*h, and in the residue of the Parish afore- 
u said, may be continually had one certain and indubitable 
“ mode of government,* and for the keeping of our peace, and 
“ for the good rule and government of the same Borbugh and 
“ Parish, and of our People there from time to time dwelling, 
“ and of others there from time to time resorting, and that 
“ the Borough and Parish aforesaid from henceforth for ever 
is may be and remain a Borough and Parish of peace and 
<f quiet, to the terror and dread of evil offenders, and in 
u reward of the good. And that our peace and other acts 
“ of justice and good rule there, shall and may be able to 
“ be better kept; and hoping, that if more amply of our 
“ grant, they should enjoy honors, liberties, and privileges, 
“ then to the services which they should perform and shew 
“ to us our heirs and successors, they may feel themselves 
“ specially and strongly bound, of our special grace, and of 
“ our certain knowledge and mere motion, have willed, 

* This word, which appears to be necessary in order to complete the 
sense of the passage, is wanting both in the translation, and in the 
Latin copy. 


394 


44 ordained, constituted, and granted, and by these presents, 
“ for us our heirs and successors, do will, ordain, constitute, 
“ and grant, that the said Borough and Parish of Barnstaple, 
44 in the said County of Devon, may and shall be, and re- 
44 main from henceforth for ever, a free Borough and Parish 
“ of itself; and that the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of 
44 the Borough aforesaid and their successors, may and shall 
44 be in all times hereafter one body corporate and politic, in 
44 deed, fact, and name, by the name of the Mayor, Alder- 
“ men, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish of Barn- 
44 staple, in the County of Devon, and them by the name of 
44 the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, of the Borough and 
44 Parish of Barnstaple, in the County of Devon, into one 
44 body corporate and politic, in deed, fact, and name, really 
44 and fully, for us our heirs and successors, we raise, make, 
44 ordain, constitute, create, confirm, ratify, and declare, by 
44 these presents. And that by the same name they may 
44 have perpetual succession. 

c 44 And that they, by the name of the Mayor, Aldermen, 
44 and Burgesses, of the Borough and Parish of Barnstaple, 
44 in the County of Devon, may and shall be in all times 
44 hereafter, persons able, and in law capable, to have, 
44 acquire, receive, and possess, manors, messuages, lands, 
44 tenements, liberties, privileges, jurisdictions, franchises, 
4< and other hereditaments whatsoever, of whatever kind, 
44 nature, or sort they may be, to them and their successors, 
44 in fee and perpetuity, or for term of life, lives, or years, 
44 or otherwise in whatsoever manner. And also, to give, 
44 grant, demise, let, and assign, the same manors, messuages, 
4 ‘ lands, tenements, and hereditaments, and all and singular 
44 other acts and deeds whatsoever, to do and exercise by 
44 the name aforesaid. 

d “ And that by the same name of the Mayor, Aldermen, 
44 and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish of Barnstaple, 


395 


“ the County of Devon, they shall and may be able to 
“ plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend 
“ and be defended, in whatever courts, parts, and places, 
“ and before whomsoever the Judges and Justices, and other 
“ Officers and Ministers, of us, our Heirs, and Successors, in 
“ all and singular actions, pleas, suits, plaints, causes, mat- 
“ ters, and demands whatsoever, of whatever kind, name, 
“ nature, or sort, they may or shall be, in the same manner 
“ and form as other our lieges, within our Kingdom of 
“ England, persons able and in law capable, or any other 
“ body corporate and politic of this Kingdom of England, 
“ can and may have, acquire, receive, possess, enjoy, retain, 
“ give, grant, demise, alienate, assign and dispose, plead 
“ and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend and 
“ be defended, do permit or execute. 

e “ And that the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the 
u Borough and Parish aforesaid, and their successors from 
“ henceforth for ever, may have a common seal, to serve for 
« doing the causes and affairs of them and their successors 
“ whatsoever. And that it shall and may be lawful for them 
w and their successors, the same seal, at their pleasure from 
« time to time to break and make anew, as to them shall 
“ seem better to be and be done. 

f “ And further by these presents for us, our Heirs, and 
“ Successors, we grant and ordain that from henceforth 
« there may and shall be within the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, from time to time, twenty-five of the more dis- 
« creet and approved Burgesses of the same Borough, who 
« shall be, and be named Capital Burgesses of the Borough 
«< and Parish of Barnstaple aforesaid, from w hich same twenty- 
“ five Capital Burgesses of the Borough and Parish afore- 
“ said, for the time being, one shall be annually elected a s 
“ Mayor of the same Borough and Parish ; and also from 
« which twenty-five Capital Burgesses of the Borough and 
3 c 


396 


“ Parish aforesaid, two of the more discreet and elder may 
44 and shall be annually from time to lime for ever elected 
44 and named to the office or offices of Aldermen of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, which same Aldermen and 
44 other Capital Burgesses shall be and be called the Com- 
“ mon Council of the same Borough and Parish, and shall be 
44 from time to time assistant and aiding to the Mayor of the 
“ said Borough and Parish of Barnstaple aforesaid, for the 
“ time being, in all causes, things, and matters, touching or in 
44 any wise concerning the Borough and Parish aforesaid. 

g 44 And further we will and ordain, and by these presents 
44 for us, our heirs, and successors grant to the before named 
44 Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and 
44 Parish of Barnstaple aforesaid, and their successors, that 
44 they and their successors, by the Mayor of the Borough 
44 and Parish aforesaid, who for the time shall be, and the 
44 Aldermen and Capital Burgesses being the Common 
44 Council of the same Borough and Parish for the time being, 
44 or by the major part of the same Mayor, Aldermen, and 
44 Capital Burgesses, (of whom the Mayor of the same 
44 Borough and Parish for the time being, and one of the 
44 Aldermen of the same Borough and Parish, and twelve 
44 Capital Burgesses of the Common Council of the same 
44 Borough and Parish, we will to be fourteen,) shall and 
u may have full power and authority to frame, constitute, 
44 ordain and make from time to time such reasonable statutes 
44 and ordinances whatsoever, as to them shall seem to be 
44 good, wholesome, useful, honest, and necessary, accor- 
44 ding to their wise discretions, for the good rule and go- 
44 vernment of the Burgesses, Artificers, and Inhabitants of 
44 the Borough and Parish aforesaid, for the time being, and 
< 4 for declaring in what manner and order the aforesaid 
‘ 4 Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, and Artificers, lnhabi- 
“ tants, and Residants of the same Borough and Parish, in 


397 


“ their Offices, Ministerings, and Businesses within the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, and the limits of the same, 
“ for the time being shall hold, carry, and use themselves 
“ and otherwise, for the farther good and public utility of 
“ the same Borough and Parish, and the victualling’ of the 
“ same Borough and Parish, and also for the better govern- 
" ment, disposition, leasing and demising of lands, tenements, 
“ possessions, revenues and hereditaments, to the before 
“ named Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses, and their sue- 
w cessors, given, granted or assigned, or hereafter to be 
“ given, granted, or assigned, and other matters and causes 
“ whatsoever, the Borough and Parish aforesaid, or the 
“ state, right, and interest of the same Borough and Parish, 
“ touching, or in any manner concerning. And that they 
“ and their successors by the Mayor, who for the time shall 
“ be, and Aldermen and Burgesses being the Common 
“ Couucil of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, or the major 
“ part of them (as before named) as often as such laws, ordi- 
« nances, and statutes shall be framed, made, ordained, or 
“ established in form aforesaid, may impose and assess such 
« and the like reasonable pains, penalties, punishments by 
“ imprisonments of bodys, or by fines and amercements, or 
« by either of them, towards and upon all offenders against 
“ such laws, statutes, and ordinances, or any or either of 
“ them, as and which to the same Mayor, Aldermen, and 
“ Burgesses, the Common Council of the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, for the time being, or to the major part of them 
« (of whom the Mayor, one Alderman, and twelve Capital 
« Burgesses, of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, we will to 
« be fourteen) shall seem to be reasonable and requisite. 
«« And the same fines and amercements shall and may be 
<* able to levy and have without impediment of us, our heirs, 
“ or successors, to their proper use and benefit, and without 
“ any account to us, our heirs or successors to be therefore 


398 


« r rendered, all awl singular which laws, statutes, and ordi- 
“ nances, so as aforesaid to he made, we will to be observed 
“ under the pains in the same to be contained. So never- 
" thelessthat such laws, statutes, ordinances, pains, penalties, 
“ punishments, imprisonments, fines and amercements, be 
“ reasonable, and be not repugnant nor contrary to the laws, 
“ statutes, customs, or rights of our Kingdom of England. 
h And for the better execution of the same our gifts, 
will, and grant in this behalf, we have assigned, named, 
“ constituted, and made, and by these presents for us, our 
“ beirs and successors, do assign, name, constitute, and make 
our beloved William Shapleigh, now Mayor of the 
“ Borough aforesaid, to become and be first and modem 
M Mayor of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, willing that 
“ that the same William Shapleigh shall be and continue in 
“ the office of Mayor of the same Borough and Parish, from 
“ the date of these presents unto the feast or day of the as- 
“ sumptiou of the blessed Mary the Virgin next coming, and 
“ from the same feast until another Burgess of the Borough 
“ and Parish aforesaid shall have been preferred and sworn 
“ to that office, according to the constitutions and ordinan- 
“ ces in these presents herein after expressed and declared, 
“ if the same William Shapleigh shall so long live. Also 
“ we have assigned, named, and constituted, and by these 
“ presents for us, our heirs, and successors, do assign, nomi- 
“ nate, constitute and make our beloved James Downe and 
u Bartholomew Harris, Inhabitants of the Borough and 
u Parish aforesaid, to be and become the two first and 
“ modern Aldermen of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, 
u to continue in the same office unto the same feast or day of 
“ the assumption of the blessed Mary the Virgin next fol- 
“ lowing after the date of these presents, and from the same 
“ feast until two other Burgesses of the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid shall have been in due manner elected, pre- 


399 


“ ferred, and sworn to the office of Aldermen of the Borough 
“ and Parish aforesaid, according to the ordinances and 
“ constitutions in these presents below expressed and 
“ declared, if the same James Downe and Bartholomew Har- 
“ ris shall so long live. Also we have assigned, nominated, 
“ and constituted, and by these presents for us, our heirs, 
u and successors, do assign, nominate, constitute and make 
“ our beloved Paul Worth, Richard Dodderidge, William 
“ Palmer, James Beaple, Nicholas Downe, John Delbridge, 
“ John Pearde, Richard Beaple, Richard Harris, John 
“ Wichehelfe, John Norris, Henry Downe, George Baker, 
“ Thomas Horwood, Henry Cross, Nicholas Takell, Pen- 
“ ticost Dodderidge, Adam Lugge, John Sallesburye, John 
“ Garrett, Nicholas Deldridge, and John Darracotte, Inha- 
“ bitants of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, to become 
“ and be first and modern Capital Burgesses of the Borough 
“ and Parish aforesaid, to continue in the same offices during 
“ their natural lives, unless in the mean time for bad go- 
u vernment or misdemeaning themselves in this behalf, they 
u shall be removed from their offices. 

i “ And further we will, and by these presents for us, our 
" heirs, and successors, grant, that whenever it shall happen 
“ the before named Capital Burgesses, so as aforesaid named, 
4* or any of them, to die, or to be removed from their offices 
“ for bad government on this behalf, that then and so often 
“ it shall and may be lawful for the Mayor, Aldermen, and 
" other Burgesses, being Capital Burgesses, the Common 
u Council of the Borough aforesaid, or the major part of 
if them, (of whom the Mayor and one of the Aldermen of 
“ the Borough and Parish aforesaid, for the time being, we 
V will to be two) one or more others of the Burgesses of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, in the place or places of 
the same Capital Burgess or Capital Burgesses, so hap- 
“ pening to die or to be removed, to elect, nominate and 


400 


“ prefer. And him or them so elected as aforesaid, again 
“ for reasonable causes, from the place or office of a Capital 
“ Burgess of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, to remove; 

and that he or they so elected and preferred, or to be 
fi elected or preferred, shall be a Capital Burgess or Capital 
“ Burgesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, in like 
“ manner and form as the aforesaid Capital Burgesses before 
“ by these presents are and shall be constituted, and this as 
“ often as the case shall so happen that by the death or re- 
“ moval of any of the same Capital Burgesses the place of 
“ the same Capital Burgesses, or of any or either of them, 
tf shall become vacant, another or others of the Burgesses of 
“ the Borough and Parish aforesaid, shall be elected or pre- 
“ ferred in the place of the same Capital Burgesses so 
“ happening to die or to be removed, by the Mayor and 
“ residue of the Capital Burgesses or the greater part of 
“ them (of whom the Mayor and one of the Aldermen of the 
“ same Borough and Parish we will to be two) to be a 
“ Capital Burgess or Capital Burgesses of the same Borough 
“ and Parish. And that the aforesaid Capital Burgesses so 
“ from time to time elected and preferred, or to be elected 
“ or preferred, shall take, and each of them shall take a cor- 
“ poral oath before the Mayor, Aldermen and other Capital 
“ Burgesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, or the ma- 
jor part of them, (of whom the Mayor or one of the Alder- 
(i men of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, we will to be 
“ one) well and faithfully to execute the same office. 

j “ And further, we will and by these presents ordain, 
“ and of our more abundant special grace, and of our certain 
“ knowledge and meer motion, for us, our heirs andsuccess- 
€< ors, do grant to the before named Mayor, Aldermen and 
“ Burgesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, and their 
“ successors, that it shall and may be lawful for them and 
“ their successors, as often as it shall seem to them to be 


401 


u meet and necessary, in any convenient place within the 

Borough and Parish aforesaid, to call and hold a meeting 
“ of the same Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, or 
“ of the greater part of them, at all times hereafter; and in 
“ the same meeting shall and may treat, confer, counsel, 
“ consult, and decree, of statutes, articles, and ordinances 
“ touching and concerning the Borough and Parish afore- 
“ said, and the good rule, state and government of the same 
“ Borough and Parish, according to the tenor of these our 
“ Letters Patent. 

k “ And further we will and by these presents for us our 
“ heirs and successors, do grant to the before named Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, and their successors, that the aforesaid Mayor 
u Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, of the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid, for the time being, or the major part of 
“ them, from time to time, at all times hereafter shall and 
“ may have power and authority yearly and every year, on 
“ Monday next before the day or feast of the blessed Mary 
“ the Virgin, between the hours of nine and twelve of the 
“ forenoon of the same day, to elect and nominate, and 
“ that they shall and may be able to elect and nominate one of 
(i the Capital Burgesses of the Borough and Parish afore- 
“ said, for the time being, who shall be Mayor of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, for one whole year then 
“ next following. 

/ “ And that he, after he shall be so elected and named, 
“ as Mayor of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, before he 
“ is admitted to that office, shall take a Corporal Oath, on 
** the Monday next following the feast or day of St. Faith, 
“ then next following the nomination and election aforesaid, 
“ before the Mayor, being his last predecessor, in the presence 
“ of the Aldermen, and ten Capital Burgesses at the least, 
“ being of the Common Council of the Borough and Parish 


402 


“ aforesaid, for the time being, to rightly, well, and faith- 
“ fully execute that office, in all things touching* the same 
“ office. And that after such oath so taken, he shall and 
“ may be able to execute the office of Mayor of the same 
« Borough and Parish, for one whole year then next 
“ following. 

m “ And moreover we will, and by these presents, for us, 
u our heirs and successors, grant to the before named 
“ Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid, and their successors, that if it shall 
“ happen the Mayor of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, 
“ for the time being, at any time within one year after he 
“ shall be so as aforesaid preferred and sworn to the office of 
“ Mayor of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, die, or he 
“ removed from his office, that then and so often it shall and 
“ may be lawful for the before named Aldermen and Capital 
“ Burgesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, for the time 
“ being, or the major pan of them, to elect and prefer 
“ another from themselves for Mayor of the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid. And that he so elected and preferred, 
“ may hold and exercise that office, during the residue of 
“ the same year, and until another in the office of Mayor of 
“ the same Borough and Parish be rightly and lawfully 
u elected, the corporal oath in form aforesaid to he first, 
“ taken, and so from time to time so often as the case shall 
“ so happen. 

n “ And further of our more abundant grace, we will, and 
“ by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, grant to 
“ the before named Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, and their successors, that 
“ the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses of 
“ the Borough and Parish aforesaid, for the time being, or 
** the major part of them* from time to time at all times 
“ hereafter, may, and shall have power and authority, 


403 


“ yearly and every year on the said Monday next before the 
<f aforesaid feast or day of the assumption of the blessed 
“ Mary the ’Virgin, to elect and name, and that they shall 
" and may be able to elect and name two of the Capital 

“ Burgesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, for the 

“ time being, who shall be Aldermen of the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid, for one whole year then next following. 
“ And that they, after they shall be so as aforesaid elected 

“ and named, as Aldermen of the Borough and Parish 

“ aforesaid, before they are admitted to that office, shall 
“ take a corpora? oath, on the Monday then next following 
“ the aforesaid feast of St. Faith, then next following the 
“ nomination and election aforesaid, in the presence of the 
66 Mayor and Aldermen then being, their last predecessors, 
“ and ten Capital Burgesses of the same Borough and 
“ Parish for the time being, at the least, rightly, well, and 
u faithfully to execute that office, in all things touching and 
u concerning that office. And that after such oath, so 
“ taken, they shall and may be able to execute the office of 
u Aldermen of the same Borough and Parish, for one whole 
“ year then next following. 

o t( And moreover we will, and by these presents, for us, 
“ our heirs and successors, grant to the before named Mayor, 

Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish afore- 
“ said, and their successors, that if it shall happen the 
“ Aldermen of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, for the 
“ time being, or either of them, at any time after they shall 
“ be preferred and sworn (as aforesaid) to the office of 
“ Aldermen of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, die, or be 
“ removed from their office of Aldermen of the Borough 
“ aforesaid, that then and so often it shall and may be 
“ lawful for the before named Mayor, and Capital Bur- 
u gesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, for the time 
“ being, or the major part of them, to elect and prefer 
3 D 


404 


t ‘ another or others from themselves, for an Alderman or 
“ Aldermen of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, and that 
“ he or they so elected and preferred, may have and exer- 
“ cise that office during the residue of the same year, and 
“ until another or others for an Alderman or Aldermen of 
“ the same Borough and Parish, are rightfully and lawfully 
‘‘ elected, the corporal oath in form aforesaid to be first 
“ taken, and so from time to time, as often as the case shall 
“ so happen, 

p “ And also we will, and by these presents, for us, our 
“ heirs, and successors, grant to the before named Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, and their successors, that the same Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses of the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid, and their successors for the time being, 
“ or the major part of them, shall, and may be able to elect, 
“ nominate, and appoint, from time to time, at all times 
“ hereafter, yearly and every year, on Monday next before 
“ the feast or day of the assumption of the blessed Mary the 
“ Virgin, such and so many inferior officers and ministers 
“ within the Borough and Parish aforesaid, as, and which 
il the Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses of the 
“ Borough aforesaid, before the date of these presents, as 
“ Mayor or Capital Burgess of the same Borough have had 
“ elected or appointed, or have been accustomed to elect or 
“ appoint within the same Borough, and the same so elected 
“ or preferred, or either of them, from the same office again 
“ to remove for reasonable causes, and that the same officers 
*' or ministers, so to their offices severally elected, preferred, 
“ and named, shall be in due manner sworn, rightly, well, 
“ and faithfully to execute their offices, in all things touch- 
“ ing the same offices, before the Mayor, Aldermen, and 
f Capital Burgesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, for 
“ the time being, or the major part of them. And that they 


405 


si so elected and preferred, may have and exercise their 
“ offices severally, for one whole year, and so from time to 
“ time, as often as the case shall so happen. 

q “ And moreover, we will, and by these presents, for ns, 
“ our heirs and successors, grant to the before named Mayor, 
u Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, and their successors, that if any who shall here- 
“ after be elected or nominated to the offices of Mayor, 
“ Alderman, Capital Burgess, or other inferior Officers or 
“ Ministers of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, or to any 
“ or either of them, and having notice and knowledge of 
“ such election and nomination, shall refuse or deny such 
6( office to which he or they so refusing and denying shall 
“ be elected or nominated, that then and so often, it shall 
“ and may be lawful for the Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital 
u Burgesses, being of the Common Council of the Borough 
“ and Parish aforesaid for the time being, or the major part 
“ of them, him or them so refusing or denying to exercise 
“ such office or offices to which he or they shall be so elected 
“ and nominated, to commit to the Gaol of the Borough 
“ aforesaid, there to remain until or the}' will exercise 
“ such office or offices; and also to put and tax reasonable 
“ fines and amercements on such refusing or denying, as 
“ to the same Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses 
“ being of the Common Council of the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid for the time being, or the major part of them for 
“ the time being, (of whom the Mayor and one of the Alder- 
“ men of the Borough and Parish aforesaid we will to be 
u one,) shall seem to be reasonable, and him or them so 
“ refusing to keep in the Gaol of the Borough aforesaid, 
“ until he or they shall pay or cause to be paid such fines 
“ and amercements, to the use of the Mayor, Aldermen, and 
** Burgesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid and their 
u 


successors. 


406 


r “ And moreover, we will,and by these presents, for us# 
“ our heirs and successors, grant to the before named MayoF, 
44 Aldermen, and Burgesses, of the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, and their successors, that from henceforth for 
“ ever there may and shall be in the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, two officers, who shall be and be called Ser- 
44 jeauts at Mace, which same Serjeants at Mace shall be 
“ attendant, and each of them shall be attendant, from time 
“ to time upon the Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, 
44 of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, for the time being; 
n of which same two Serjeants at Mace, one of them shall at 
“ all times hereafter be named by the Mayor so for the time 
“ being, and the other of them shall at all times hereafter 
“ be named and elected by the Mayor, Aldermeti, and 
Capital Burgesses, being of the Common Council of 
* the Borough and Parish aforesaid for the time being, or 
“ by <he major part of them, to last for one whole year then 
“ next following; and that they so elected and nominated 
“ to the office of Serjeants at Mace of the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid for one whole year, may and shall be in 
“ due manner sworn, well and faithfully to execute such 
“ office, before the Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, 
44 being of the Common Council of the Borough and Parish 
44 aforesaid, or the major part of them. And that the afore- 
“ said Serjeants at Mace in the Borough and Parish afore* 
“ said to be deputed, shall bear and carry maces of gold or 
44 silver, and the sign of the arms of our Kingdom of En- 
“ gland engraven and worked, every where within the 
44 Borough and Parish aforesaid, the liberties and precincts 
44 of the same, before the Mayor of the Borough and Parish 
44 aforesaid for the time being, and his successors* And 
44 that the aforesaid Serjeants at Mace be ministers of our 
44 Court of Record, within the Borough and Parish aforesaid, 
44 to execute all processes, precepts, or mandates, of the 


407 


“ same Court, in duo meaner, and according to the exigence 

of right awd law. 

s *• And further we will, and by these presents, for us^ 
“ our heirs and successors, grant to tbe before named Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish of 
“ Barnstaple aforesaid, and their successors, that the Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Capital BurgesSes, of the Borough and 
44 Parish aforesaid, or the major part of them, (of whom the 
“ Mayor for the time being we will to be one,) may and 
“ shall have power to name and elect, and that they shall and 
<4 may name and elect from time to time for ever, one ap- 
“ proved and discreet man, to become and be Chief Steward 
“ of the Borough and Parish aforesaid j and that he so 
44 elected, may hold and exercise tbe office of Chief Steward 
“ of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, at tbe good pleasure 
44 of the same Mayor, Alderman, and Burgesses, or of the 
44 major part of them. 

t " And further we will, and by these presents, for ns, our 
“ heirs and successors, grant to the before named Mayor, 
44 Aldermen* and Bilrgesses, of the Borough and Parish 
44 aforesaid* and their successors, that tbe Mayor, Aldermeji, 
4 ‘ and Capital Burgesses, of the Borough and Parish afore- 
44 said, or the major part of them* may have power and 
44 authority to elect and name, and that they shall and may 
44 elect and name from time to time for ever, one approved 
44 and discreet man, learned in the laws of our Kingdom of 
44 England, who shall be and be called the Recorder of the 
44 Borough and Parish aforesaid; which same Recorder so 
44 named and elected, Shall take a Corporal Oath before the 
44 Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, of the Borough 
44 and Parish aforesaid, to execute such office of Recorder in 
44 all things touching the same office* And that the Recorder 
44 of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, so as aforesaid elected* 
44 nominated, and Sworn, shall exercise and execute the office 


408 


u of Recorder of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, by him- 
“ self or by his sufficient deputy learned in the laws of 
“ England, and the Corporal Oath by such deputy in like 
“ manner to be first taken, at the good pleasure of the same 
“ Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, or the major 
“ part of them. And we will, that the Recorder of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, or bis sufficient deputy, so 
“ from time to time to be named and elected, shall be from 
“ time to time assistant and aiding to the Mayor, Aldermen, 
“ and Capital Burgesses of the Borough and Parish afore- 
“ said, and their successors, in all things and causes which 
“ in the Court of Record of the Borough and Parish afore- 
“ said, shall be from time to time pleadable and determinable. 
“ And shall do and execute all things which to the office of 
“ Recorder pertain or belong, in as ample manner and form 
“ as any other Recorder in any Borough or Town incorporate, 
“ within this Kingdom of England, by virtue of the office of 
“ Recorder aforesaid, can and may execute. 

v “ Moreover we have granted, and by these presents, 
“ for us, our heirs, and successors, do grant, to the before 
“ named Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough 
“ and Parish aforesaid, and their successors, that the Mayor, 
“ Recorder, and Aldermen of the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, during the term in which they shall happen to 
“ be in their aforesaid offices, be the Justiciaries of us, and 
“ of our heirs and successors, to preserve the peace in the 
“ same Borough and Parish, and the precinct and circuit 
“ of the same. And to cause the statutes concerning 
“ Artificers and Labourers within the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, the circuit and precinct of the same, to be pre- 
“ served and kept. And that the same Mayor, Recorder, 
“ and Aldermen, for the time being, or three of them (of 
“ whom the Mayor and Recorder of the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, for the time being, we will to be two) may 


409 


u have full power and authority to enquire concerning what¬ 
ever felonies, contempts, trespasses, misprisions, and other 
“ inferior defaults and articles whatsoever, within the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, the liberties and precincts 
“ of the same, done, moved, or perpetuated, which before 
** the Keepers and Justiciaries of the peace in any County 
“ of our Kingdom of England, by the laws and statutes of 
44 the same our Kingdom of England, ought or should be 
“ enquired of; so however that the said Mayor, Recorder, 
“ and Aldermen, to the determination of any betraying of 
“ murder, or felony, or of any other matter touching the loss 
“ of life, or member, within the Borough and Parish afore- 
“ said, the liberties and precincts of the same, without 
“ the special mandate and grant of us, our heirs and suc- 
“ cessors, in any wise hereafter, shall not proceed. But 
44 nevertheless, all and singular other contempts, tres- 
“ passes, offences, causes, and articles above said, which to 
“ the office of Justiciaries of the peace within the Borough 
4 ‘ and Parish aforesaid, the liberties and precincts of the 
u same pertain, they shall and may be able to do, enquire, 
“ hear, perform, and determine, as fully, freely, and wholly, 
** and in as ample manner and form as any other Justici- 
<4 aries of the peace, of us, and of our heirs and successors, 
44 in any county of our Kingdom of England (as Justiciaries 
44 of the Peace) by the laws and statutes of our Kingdom of 
44 England, can or may enquire, hear, or determine. 

u 44 We will also, and by these presents, for us, our heirs, 
“ and successors, grant, that none other of the Justiciaries 
“ of us, our heirs or successors, of our County of Devon, the 
44 Borough and Parish aforesaid, or in any part thereof, or the 
4 ‘ liberties and precincts of the same (to do any thing in the 
“ same Borough and Parish, the liberties or precincts of the 
44 same which the Justiciaries of the Peace of the Borough 
44 and Parish aforesaid, by virtue of these our letters patent. 


410 


** can or ought to do and execute) intromit themselves, or 
“ presume <to«enter .in any wise. 

w “And further we will, and by these presents, for us, our 
“ heirs and successors, grant to the before named Mayor, 
“ Aldermen aud .Burgesses .of the Borough and Parish-afore- 
“ said, aud their successors, 4hat the Mayor and Aldermen of 
“ the Borough and Parish aforesaid for *the time being, from 
“ henceforth for ever, may elect, and from time to’time they 
“ may and shall be able to elect and name one approved and 
discreet man, whoanay and ^shall be Olerk of the Market of 
“ the said Borough and Parish of Barnstaple aforesaid,*to do 
“ and execute all and singular those things, within the said 
“ Borough and Parish, the liberties and precincts of the same, 
“ which to the office of Clerk of the Market within other 
“ Counties of our Kingdom of England pertain ; so that no 
“ Clerk of the Market of the Household of us, our heirs or 
“ successors, the aforesaid Borough and "Parish, liberties, 
“ limits, and precincts of the same, (to do or execute any 
u thing which to the office of Clerk of the Market pertain- 
“ eth,) in any wise enter or intromit himself. 

x “ Also, vve have granted, and by these presents, for us, 
“ ourbeirs and successors, of our like special grace, and of 
“ our certain knowledge and ineer motion, do grant to the 
“ before named Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, aud their successors, that 
“ the Aldermen of the Borough and 'Parish aforesaid for the 
“ time being, and their successors, during the time in which 
“ they shall be and continue in the office of Aldermen of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, be the Coroners of us, our 
“ heirs and successors, within the Borough and Parish afore- 
“ said,liberties, and precincts of the same. And that the 
“ aforesaid James Downe and Bartholomew Harris, Aldermen 
“ of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, be the first and 
“modern'Coroners of us. our heirs and successors, of the 


411 


“ Borough ami Parish aforesaid, in the same office of Coro- 
“ ner, to remain until they go out of their offices of 
" Aldermen of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, and that 
“ the Coroners of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, for the 
“ time being, may and shall have full power and authority to 
“ do and execute within the Borough and Parish aforesaid, 
“ the limits and precincts of the same, all and singular those 
“ things which to the office of Coroner, by the laws, customs, 
“ and statutes of our Kingdom of England pertain, or ought 
“ to pertain, to do and execute. And that no other Coroner of 
“ us, or our heirs or successors, to do any thing which to the 
46 office of Coroner in the Borough and Parish aforesaid, and 
u the limits and precincts of the same pertaineth, shall enter 
“ or presume to enter, or in any wise intromit himself. 

y " Also we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs, 
“ and successors, grant to the before named Mayor, Alder- 
“ men, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish of Barns- 
“ taple aforesaid, and their successors, that they and their 
“ successors from henceforth for ever may elect, and that from 
“ time to time they shall and may be able to elect, and name 
“ one approved and honest man who may and shall be and 
« be called the Common Clerk of the Borough and Parish 
u of Barnstaple aforesaid, (Any lice the Totcne Clarke of 
“ the Borough and Parrishc of Barnstaple,) to do and exe- 
“ cute all and singular those things within the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid, the liberties and precincts of the same, 
a which to the office of Common Clerk within any Borough 
“ or Town Incorporate within our Kingdom of England 
“ pertain ; and that the Clerk of the Market and Common 
'« Clerk of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, so as aforesaid 
“ to be elected and named, (before they are admitted to 
“ execute those offices,) shall take, and each of them 
« respectively shall take a Corporal oath before the Mayor 
° of the Borough and Parish aforesaid for the time being’, 

3 E 


412 


“ rightly, well, and faithfully to execute the same offices of 
Clerk of the Market and Common Clerk of the Borough 
“ and Parish aforesaid, according to their knowledge in all 
“ things and by all things touching the same offices. And 
“ after such oath so as aforesaid taken, the offices of Clerk 
“ of the Market and Common Clerk of the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid, may respectively have, exercise, and use, 
“ by themselves, or by their sufficient Deputies by the 
“ Mayor of the Borough and Parish aforesaid to be allowed, 
“ during the good pleasure of the Mayor, Aldermen, and 
“ Burgesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid for the 
“ time being, or the major part of them, (of whom the 
“ Mayor for the time being we will to be one.) 

£ " And further we will, and by these presents, for us, our 
“ heirs, and successors, grant to the before named Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish of 
“ Barnstaple aforesaid, and their successors, that the same 
“ Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid, and their successors for ever, may and 
“ shall have within the Borough and Parish aforesaid, and 
“ within the liberties and precincts of the same, one prison 
“ or gaol, for the preservation and custody of all and singu- 
“ lar persons attached and to be attached, or to the prison or 
“ gaol of the Borough and Parish aforesaid to be adjudged, 
“ in what manner soever within the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, the liberties and precincts of the same, for what- 
“ ever cause within the Borough and Parish aforesaid, or 
“ the liberties and precincts of the same to be found, there 
“ to remain so long and until they shall be delivered in 
“ lawful and due manner of right. And that the Mayor of 
“ the said Borough and Parish for the time being may and 
(i shall be keeper of the same gaol. 

aa “ And we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs, 
“ and successors, grant to the before named Mayor, Alder- 


413 


44 men, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, 
44 and their successors, that they and their successors from 
44 henceforth for ever, may have and hold, and shall and 
44 may be able to have and hold, within the Borough and 
44 Parish aforesaid, one Court of Record on every Monday in 
“ every second week throughout the year, before the Mayor, 
44 Recorder, and Aldermen of the Borough and Parish afore- 
“ said, or before two of them to be holden ; and that in such 
44 Court they may hold by plaint in the same Court to be 
44 levyed, all and all manner, such, the like, and similar 
44 pleas, actions, suits, and demands, concerning whatever 
44 trespasses with force and arms or otherwise, in contempt 
44 of us, our heirs, or successors, done and to be done. 
44 And also concerning all and all manner, such, the like, 
44 and similar pleas upon the case, debts, accounts, cove- 
44 • nants, deceptions, detentions of deeds, writings, and muni- 
“ ments, and chattels, captions and detentions of cattle, and 
44 chattels, and other contracts, from whatever causes or 
44 mattels, within the Borough and Parish aforesaid, the 
44 limits and precincts of the same, arising or happening, 
44 such and as at any time heretofore by any lawful charter 
44 or grant, or by any lawful custom or prescription in the 
44 same Borough have been pleaded. And that such pleas, 
44 plaints, and actions, as well real as personal and mixed, 
44 shall be heard and determined there before the Mayor, 
44 Recorder, and Aldermen of the Borough and Parish 
44 aforesaid, or the major part of them, by such and the like 
44 processes and methods, according to the law and custom 
44 of our Kingdom of England, by which, and as shall be 
44 consonant with our laws, and in as ample and similar 
44 manner and form, as in any other Court of Record in any 
44 other Borough or Town Incorporate within this Kingdom 
44 of England, is used and accustomed, or can or ought to 
44 be done. 


414 


bb li And we will moreover, and for us,*our heirs, and 
“ successors, ordain that the Serjeants at Mace of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, for the time being, or any 
“ either of them, shall do and execute all pannels of 
‘* juries, inquisitions, attachments, precepts, mandates, war- 
“ rants, judgments, processes, aud other things necessary 
“ to be done, concerning the causes aforesaid, within the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, the liberties, limits, and 
“ precincts of the same, as it shall be commanded them, 
“ according to the exigence of law, and according to the 
“ custom of the Borough aforesaid, and as in similar cases is 
“ used, or cught to be done in any Court of Record, in any 
“ other Borough or Town Incorporate within this Kingdom 
“ of England. 

cc “ And further, of our more abundant special grace, and 
of our certain knowledge and mere motion, for us, our 
‘‘ heirs, and successors, we have given aud granted, and by 
“ these presents do give and grant to the before named 
“ Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid, and their successors, all and all manner 
u Bie goods and chattels of felons whomsoever, and also of 
“ felons of themselves, for all and singular the Burgesses 
“ resident within the Borough and Parish aforesaid, the 
“ liberties and precincts of the same, from time to time 
“ arising, happening, or coming; and also all other pri¬ 
vileges, jurisdictions, fairs, markets, exemptions from 
“ j««es without the said Borough and Parish, and all and 
“ singular hereditaments, within the said Borough and Parish 
“ from time to time increasing and arising, in as ample man- 
lier and f °rm and as fully, freely, and wholly, as the Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or 
“ tbeir predecessors at any time heretofore, by any lawful 
“ charter or grant, or by any other lawful manner, have here- 
" lofore Lad ' received, or enjoyed. And that it shall and 


415 


rt may be lawHll to the same Mayor, Aldermen, and Bur- 
“ gesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, and their 
M successors, to put themselves in seisin and possession of 
“ the goods and chattels aforesaid, and other emoluments 
“ ail d advantages aforesaid, and the same to the behoof and 
“ use of the same Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, and their successors, to 
“ receive and retain without the hinderance of us, our heirs, 
“ or successors, or of any officers or ministers of us, our 
“ heirs, or successors whomsoever. 

dd 44 And further we will, and by these presents, for us, 
“ our heirs, and successors, grant to the before named Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish 
“ aforesaid, and their successors, that no stranger or 
44 foreigner, unless he be a freeman of the Borough and 
“ Parish aforesaid, shall sell or expose to sale any wares or 
44 merchandizes within the Borough or Parish aforesaid, other- 
u wise than in gross, or otherwise than all other necessaries 
44 for victualling of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, unless 
44 it be at the times of the fair and markets, to be holden 
4< within the Borough and Parish aforesaid ; nor shall keep 
44 any shop, nor use any mystery occupation, or manual 
44 art, within the Borough and Parish aforesaid, or the liber- 
“ ties or precincts of the same, without the special liceuce 
44 of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, or the major part of them, 
44 (of whom the Mayor for the time being we will to be one) 
44 in writing, under their seal, under our indignation, and 
4 ‘ under such other pains, penalties, and forfeitures, as by the 
44 laws and statutes of our kingdom of England can be 
44 inflicted or imposed on such like offenders, for their dis- 
44 obedience and contempt in this behalf. 

ee “ And further, of our more abundant special grace, and 
** of our certain knowledge and mere motion, we have given 


416 


M and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heirs, and 
“ successors, do give and grant to the before named Mayor, 
“ Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish of 
“ Barnstaple aforesaid, and their successors, special, free ? 
“ and lawful licence, power, faculty, and authority, to have, 
“ acquire, receive, and possess, to them and their successors 
“ for ever, manors, messuages, lands, tenements, meadows, 
“ feedings, pastures, woods, rectories, tithes, rents, rever- 
“ sions, and other hereditaments whatsoever, as well of us, 
“ our heirs, and successors, as of any other person or per- 
“ sons whomsoever, which are not holden of us, our heirs, 
“ or successors, immediately in chief, or by military service, 
“ so that the same manors, messuages, lands, tenements, 
“ and other hereditaments, so hereafter to be acquired, 
together with the lands, manors, tenements, and other 
“ hereditaments by the before named Mayor, Aldermen, 
“ and Burgesses or their predecessors heretofore ac- 
“ quired, do not exceed in the whole, the clear yearly 
“ value of sixty pounds, beyond all charges and reprisals, the 
“ statute concerning lands and tenements not to be but in 
“ mortmain, or any other statute, act, ordinance, or perqui- 
“ sition heretofore had, made, ordained, or provided, or any 
“ other thing, cause, or matter whatsoever, to the contrary 
“ thereof in any wise notwithstanding. 

ff “ Also we give, and by these presents, for us, our heirs, 
“ and successors, grant to all and all manner, and whatsoever 
t( and whomsoever the subjects of us, our heirs, and suc- 
“ cessors, special, free, and lawful licence, power,faculty, and 
“ authority, that they or any or either of them, shall and may 
“ be able to give, grant, sell, bequeath, or alienate, lawfully 
“ and impunitively, any manors, messuages, lands, tene- 
“ ments, or other hereditaments whatsoever, which are not 
“ holden of us, our heirs, or successors, immediately in chief, 
“ nor by military service, to the before named Mayor, 


417 


“ Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough and Parish of 
“ Barnstaple aforesaid, and their successors, so that all the 
“ aforesaid manors, messuages, lands, tenements, and other 
“ hereditaments, so to the same Mayor, Aldermen, and Bur- 
u gesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, as before 
“ named, to be given, granted, alienated, or bequeathed, 
“ together with the manors, messuages, lands, tenements, 
“ and other hereditaments, heretofore to the same Mayor, or 
" Aldermen, and Burgesses, given, granted, alienated, be- 
“ queathed, do not exceed in the whole the clear yearly rent 
“ value of sixty pounds, beyond all charges and reprisals by 
<s the year, the statute concerning lands and tenements not 
“ to be put in mortmain, or any other thing, cause, or matter 
“ whatsoever, to the contrary thereof in any wise notwith- 
“ standing. 

gg “ And further we will, and by these presents, for us, 
u our heirs, and successors, grant, give, confirm, ratify, and 
“ approve, to the before named Mayor, Aldermen, and Bur- 
“ gesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, and their 
“ successors, all and all manner of manors, messuages, 
“ mills, lands, meadows, feedings, pastures, markets, fairs, 
“ tolls, customs, and so many, so much, such, the same, the 
" like, and similar liberties, franchises, immunities, exemp- 
“ tions, privileges, quittances, jurisdictions, wastes, voids, 
“ ground, commons, ways, commodities, profits, emoluments, 
“ tenements, and hereditaments whatsoever, as many, as 
<• much, such, and which the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bur- 
« gesses of the Borough aforesaid, or by whatever names or 
“ name, or by whatever incorporation or pretext, of what- 

ever name or incorporation they have been heretofore had, 
“ holden, used, or enjoyed, or ought to have, hold, use, or 
“ enjoy, or now have, hold, use, and enjoy, to them and their 
i( successors of hereditary estate, by reason or pretext of any 
“ charters or letters patent by any of our progenitors or 


418 


<s ancestors late Kings or Queens of England in any wise 
“ made, granted, or confirmed, or by whatever other legal 
“ manner, right, title, custom, use, or prescription, hereto- 
“ fore lawfully used, had, or accustomed, although the 
“ same, or any or either of them have or hath been forfeited 
“ or lost, and although the same have or hath been badly 
* used or not used, abused or discontinued. 

hh “ Provided always, that neither these our letters 
“ patent, nor any thing herein contained, in any other 
“ manner extend themselves to give and grant to the before 
“ named Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, or their suc- 
** cessors, any Court Leet, view of Frank Pledge, Court 
“ Baron, assize or assay of bread, wine, or ale, treasure, 
“ trove, goods and chattels waived, estrays, or goods or 
“ chattels of felons or fugitives, within the aforesaid parcel 
" of the Parish aforesaid, formerly belonging to the aforesaid 
“ Priory of Saint Mary Magdalene, or within tire place or 
" precinct commonly called Magdalene Fee, or any part or 
" parcel of the same part of the Parish, or of the same 
“ place or precinct, or to give or grant to the same 
" Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, or their successors, 
“ any Court Franchise, liberty, privilege, right, jurisdic- 
“ tion, profit, emolument, or hereditament within the afore- 
“ said parcel of the Parish aforesaid, formerly belonging to 
“ the aforesaid Priory, or within the aforesaid place 
“ or precinct, called Magdalene Fee, or any part or parcel of 
<r the same part of the Parish, or of the same place or pre- 
“ cinct, which now belongeth or pertaineth, or ought to 
belong or pertain, to the before named William Howard, 
“ Knight, Lord Howard of Effingham ; to have, hold, and 
“ enjoy, to the before named Mayor, Aldermen, and Bur- 
“ gesses of the Borough and Parish of Barnstaple aforesaid, 
“ and their successors forever; and yielding and paying 
** therefore yearly to us, our heirs, and successors, so many, 


419 


“ so much, such, the same, the like, and similar fee farms, 

“ rents, services, sums of money, and demands whatsoever ; 

“ as many, as much, such, and which, have been heretofore 
“ accustomed to be rendered, or paid, or ought to be ren- 
“ dered for the same, 

ii ** Wherefore we will, and by these presents, for us, 

“ our heirs, and successors, firmly enjoining, we command 
“ that the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, and their successors, may 
“ have, hold, use, and enjoy, and shall and may be able to 
“ have, hold, use, and enjoy, for ever, all the liberties, 
“ authorities, jurisdictions, franchises, exemptions, and quit- 
“ tances aforesaid, according to the tenor and effect of these 
“ our letters patent, without the hinderance or impediment 
44 of us, our heirs, or successors, justiciaries, sheriffs, escheat- 
“ ors, or other bailiffs or ministers of us, our heirs, or suc- 
44 cessors, whomsoever. Not willing that the same Mayor, 
44 Aldermen, and Burgesses, or any or either of them, by 
“ reason of the premises, or any of them, by us, our heirs 
“ or successors, justiciaries, sheriffs, escheators, or other 
“ bailiffs or ministers of us, our heirs, or successors whom- 
44 soever, therefore be hindered, molested, aggrieved, vexed, 
44 or in any manner disturbed. Willing, and by these pre- 
44 sents commanding and charging as well the treasurer' 
“ chancellor, and barons of us, our heirs, and successors, as 
“ our attorney and solicitor general for the time being, and 
“ every of them, and all other our officers and ministers 
44 whomsoever, that neither they, or any or either of them* 
44 shall prosecute, or continue, or make, or cause to be pro- 
44 secuted or continued, any writ or summons of Quo War- 
44 ranto, or any other our writ, writs, or processes whatsoever, 
44 against the before named Mayor, Aldermen, and Bur- 
44 gesses of the Borough and Parish aforesaid, or any or 
“ either of them, for any causes, things, matters, offences, 

3 F„ 


420 


** claim, or usurpation, or any of them, by them or any of 
“ them due, claimed, used, attempted, had, or usurped, 
“ before the day of the making of these presents. Willing 
4 ‘ also that the same Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the 
“ Borough and Parish aforesaid, nor any or either of them, 
“ by any or either of the justices, officers, or ministers afore- 
“ said, in or for the due use, claim, or abuse of any other 
“ liberties, franchises, or jurisdictions, within the Borough 
“ and Parish aforesaid, liberties, limits, or precincts of the 
“ same, before the day of the making of these presents, be 
“ in no wise molested or impeded, or compelled to answer 
<s the same or any of them. Any statute, act, ordinance, 
“ provision, or any other thing, cause, or matter whatsoever, 
“ to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. So 
u that express mention, &c. 

“ In witness whereof, &c. Witness the King at West- 
“ minster, the twenty-third day of January. 

" By Writ of Privy Seal, &c.” 


[K.] 

Literal Transcript of Office Copy “ Grant of Lathstedes 
“ Tolls, Sfc* of BARhESTAPLE. SAML. MARROWE 
“ to SIR JOHN CHECHESTER.-7 th Nov. 7th Eliz . 
“ Inr oiled Alichas . Term , 7 th and 8th Elizabeth” 


“ Rotu* de cartis scriptis & protecconitz cognitis & allo- 
<£ catis coram Jacobo Dyer milite & sociis suis justic: dne 
“ regine de banco de termino sci Michis anno regni dne 

The abbreviators are necessarily wanting-, (see page 53.) 





421 


“ Elizabeth dei gra Anglie Franc: & Hibn Regine Fidei 
" Defensor &c. septimo & octavo. 

“ Rotlis 27 28. 

“ Samuel 1 Marrowe de Barkeswell in Com Warr Armig 
“ ven extra cur t’cio decimo die Novemb istq eodein t’mio 
“ coram Rico Weston uno Justic: due Regine de Banco 
“ aptid Serjeaunts June in venella cancett et cogn scriptum 
“ subsequ fore fem sun et pet illud irrotulari et irrotu- 
“ latur in hec v’ba. 

“ Thys Indenture made the vijth daye of Novembre in 
<£ the seventh yere of the raygn of or sov’aygn Ladye 
“ Elizabeth, by the grace of God, Queue of England, 
,s France, and Ireland, defendor of the Faytb, &c. Betwene 
“ Samuell Marrowe, of Barkeswell, in the Countye of War- 
“ wyck, Esquyer, of the one ptye, and Sr John Chechester, 
“ of Raleigh, in the Countye of Devon, Knyght, of the other 
“ ptye, wytnesseth, that wheras the late Kynge of famosse 
<£ memorye, Henry the Eyght, by hys graces letters patens, 
“ berynge date at Westmynster the xxi th daye of Februarye, 
“ in the xxxvith yere of his raygn, dede graunt, demyse, and 

to ferme let, to hys wel beloved John Golsland, Roger 
“ Worth, and Roberte Cade, of Barnestable, in the sayde 
<£ Countye of Devon, the Lathstedes within Barnestaple 
“ aforesayde, and all the yssues, rents, and pfytt's therof 
£< comynge, and all the yssues and pfytts of the tolle boxe 
“ of the marketfs ther & hys fayers ther holden in the feaste 
“ of the natyvytye of or blyssed Ladye the Vyrgyn, and all 
“ yssues & pfytts of the sayde Fayers comynge or grow- 
£< ynge, whyche late were pcell of the lands and possessions 
“ of Henry Duke of Rychemond & Some’s : To have and to 
“ hold all & singler the pemysses before expressed, with 
<£ all & singuler ther apptennces to the forcsayd John 
“ Golsland, Roger Worth, & Robte Cade, ther exec: and 
“ assign, from the feaste of Saynte Mychell th archaungeli, 


422 


“ (hen Iaste paste, untyll the ende and terme of twentye one 
“ yeres then nexte followynge, fullye to be complette and 
“ ended ; yeldynge therfore yerelye to the sayde late King 
M Henry the eyght, hys heires and successors, to thehandes 
“ of hys Baylyffs of Barnestable aforesayde, or to the handes 
of the gen’all receavor of the rents and pfytts of the lands 
and possessions aforesayde, or to the handes of the Tresorer 
“ of hys Chamber, & of hys Courts of Survey for the tyme 
beynge, seventene sbyllyngs and foure pence of lawful 
“ mo,,e y of Fnglande ; vz for the sayd Lathstedes, foure 
“ shyllyngs, for the pfytts of the sayd Tolle boxe of the sayd 
Marketts three shyllyngs four pence, and for the sayde 
“ Fa y er & pfytts thereof tenne shyllyngs, & thyrtene shyl- 
“ lyngs foure pence starlynge, newly approved, yerelye at 
the feasts of the Annunscvacon ofSaynte Mary the Vyrgyn 
“ and of Saynte Mychell the Archaungell, by even porcons 
as by the same letters patents more playnlye appeareth. 
“ An<1 wheras also the late Kynge and Quene Philippi and 
Marye, by ther hyghnes Ires patents, berynge date at 
“ Westmynster, the ixth daye of Apryll, in the third & 
“ fourtl1 yeres of their Majestyes raynges, resytying the sayd 
“ ^ res patents, & lesse so made of the pemysses, by the 
“ sayd late Kynge Henry the viiith, 0 f their especyall grace, 
“ certayne knowledge, & mere mocon, dede amongest other 
“ thyngs, geve and graunte for them, and the heires and 
“ successors of the sayd late Quene Mary, to one Thomas 
“ Marrowe Esquyer, father to the sayd Samuell, the rev’con 
“ and rev’cons of all the sayd Lathstedes, and all theyssues, 
“ rents, and pfyts therof, comynge and growynge,andofthe 
“ yssues and pfytts of the tolle boxe of the sayde Marketts 
& Fayers ther to be holden, and of all other the pemysses 
“ in the sayde Ires patents of the sayd late Kynge Henry 
“ the viiith before expressed, and all the sayd yerelye rents 
“ of seventene shyllyngs foure pence, and thyrtene shyllyngs 


423 


“ foure pence, by the sayd Ires patents, as ys aforesayd 
resved. To have and to hold the sayd rev’con & rev’cons 
“ of the sayd Lathstedes & of all the yssues, rents, pfvtts, 
“ therof comynge & growynge, and of the yssues of the 
tolle boxe of the Marketts & of the Payers ther hoi den, 
and of all yssues & pfytls of the same comynge & grow- 
“ ynge, & of all & singler other the pemysses in the sayde 
Ires patents of the sayd late Kynge Henry the Eyghte, ex- 
tl pressed and specifyed, and of ev’ye pcell thereof, and all 
“ ^e sayd rents of xvijs iiijd & xiijs iiijd by the sayd Ires 
“ patens resved to the sayd Thomas Marrowe, his heires and 
“ assign toJiys and ther onlye use for ev. And wherase 
“ a Is° the sayd late Kynge & Quene Philippe & Mary, by 
“ their sayd Ires patens berynge date at Westmynster, theixth 
“ daye of Apryll in the sayd third & fourth yeres of theire 
“ raygnes, of theire lyke especyall grace, certayne knowledge, 
“ & mere motion amongeste other thyngs dede further geve 
“ and graunte to the sayd Thomas Marrowe, all that theire 
“ Lordshypes & Mannor of Barnestable als Barnestaple, and 
“ all that there Lordshyppes & Mannors of Barnestable als 
“ Barnestaple Fee with all &singuler theire rights, members, 
“ and apptennces, sett, lyeinge and beynge in the sayd 
“ Countye of Devon, pcell of ther lands called Rychemonds 
u landes, and all & singuler messuags, mills, houses, buyl- 
“ dyngs, lofts, barnes, stables, wastgroundes, dovehouses, 
“ orchards, gardyns, landes, ten’ts, meadowes, pastures, com- 
“ ons, wayes, wasts, mores, hethes, furres, mayshes, waters, 
“ fysbyng, woodes, underwoodes, watercurses, rents, chargs 
“ rents, secte, rev’cons, & servics, resvyd uppon anye 
fi< demyse and graunte of the pemysses, or of anye pte or 
“ pcell thereof, courts & letts, & all pquystyts & pfyts ot 
“ Courts & letts, vewe of Franckpledge, & all thyngs 
“ appteynynge unto a Courte leete or vewe of Franckpledge 
* or that herafter shall appteyne or belonge, assyce of bred. 


424 


* e wyne, 8c ale, and also goods & chattells, vveyved, estreyes, 
“ fee fermes, arinuytyes, krtVghts fees, wardes, marryags, 
“ escheats, releves, herryots, fynes, amercyaments, advou- 
“ sons, pnages, vyllens, & bondmen, 8c all fayers, irtarketts, 
“ tolls, tallage, & customes, & all other the jurisdiccons, 
“ franchyses, pryveliges, pfytts, comodytyes, emoluments, 
« 8c hered : whatsoev they be, with ther apptonnees, sett, 
“ lyenge, beynge, comynge, growynge, or arrysynge in the 
“ Townes, Fyldes, Bourough, pfyshe, or hamlett of Barrtes- 
« taple 8c Barnestaple Fee, als Barnestable, als Barnesfable 
“ Fee, in the sayde Com of Devon, or in anie other place 
“ whatsoev they be to the sayde lordshipps or mannors 
“ belongynge or appteynynge, or before thyse tyrne had 
“ knowen, accepted, used or taken, as pte, pcell, or member 
“ of the same lordshyppes 8c mannors, or with the same to 
“ ferine, letten, dimissed, or occupyed, suche like 8c as 
“ fullye, holy and frelye, and in as ample raann and forme 
“ as anye Duke of Richemond or any other pson or psous 
“ havynge, possessynge or beynge seassed of the sayd man- 
“ nors, lordshippes, and bouroughe.and other the pemysses, 
" or anye pte or pcell therof, ev hade, held or enjoyed, or 
“ oughte to ha ye bolden or enjoyed the same, by reason or 
“ color of anye ch’re, gyfte, graunte or confirmacon,by anye 
“ of the pgenytors of the sayd late Quene, before thyse tyme 
“ had, made, gfaunted or eonfirrnyde, or by reason of anye 
“ other laufull pescripcon, use, or custome, before thys tyme 
“ hade or used or otberwyse, by anye other lawfutl meanes, 
“ ryghteor tytle, and as fullye, whole, 8c frelye, 8c in as ample 
“ mann & forme, as they the sayd late Kynge and Quene, or 
“ anye of the pgenitors of the sayd late Quene, Kyngs of Eng- 
“ lande, have helde of enjoyed,or ought to have hade, holden 
** or enjoyed. To have and to hold all the sayd Lordshypps 
“ or Mannor, & other the pemysses, with all & singTer ther 
“ apptennces, to the sayd Thomas Marrowe, hys heires and 


425 


“ assigns, to the upper use and behouffe of the sayd Tho- 
mas Marrowe, hys heires and assigns for ev, as by the sayd 
“ Ires patens amongeste other thyngs more at large, yt dothe 
“ and maye appere. Thys Indenture nowe tlierfore further 
“ wytnesselh that the sayd Saniuell Marrowe. sonne & heire 
“ of the sayd Thomas Marrowe, decessed, as well for and in 
“ consyderacon of the some of fourtye poundes of lawfull 
“ money of England before the date hereof well and trulye 
“ contented and payed by the sayd S r John Chechester 
“ Knyght, to the said Saniuell Marrowe, wherof the sayd 
“ Samuel! acknovvledgeth hymselfe contented & payed, and 
‘‘ therof & of ev’ye pte & pcell therof, acquyteth and dys- 
“ chargeth the sayd Sr John Che[che]ster, hys heires & exe- 
“ cutors by these pesents, as for the some of three hundreth 
“ threscore poundes of lawfull money of England, to the sayd 
“ Saniuell Marrowe or hys assign, well & trulye to be con- 
“ tented or payed by the sayd Sr John Chechester, hys 
“ heires or assign, at or in the eyght daye of November 
« nexte ensuynge the date herof,uppon the Fontstone of the 
“ Temple Churche within the suburbes of the cyttye of 
“ London, between the houresof two & five of the clocke 
“ in the afternoone of the same daye, hathe bgayned and 
“ solde, and by these pesents doth clerlye and absolutelve 
“ bgayne & sell unto the sayd Sr John Chechester, All that 
« hys saydLathstedes within tfarnestable aforesayd,tolle boxe 
“ of the Marketts & Layers, & all theyssues and pfytts of them 
“ and ev’ye of them, comynge & growynge of tiie rev’con & 
a rev’consof all & singler hys sayd Lathstedes, tolles boxes 
“ & layers, and of all yssues, rents, and pfytts of them or 
« anye of them comynge & growynge, & all hys sayd rents 
« of seventene shyllyngs foure pence, & thyrtene shyllyngs 
foure pence, & all othersvices resved uppon the sayd leasse, 
“ dimisse & Ires patens of the sayde late Kynge Henr the 
« viijth. And further the sayd Samuell for the consyderacon 


426 


“ aforesayd hath bgayned and sold, and by these pesents 
“ dothe clerelye and absolutley bgayne and sell unto the 
“ sayd Sr John Chechester, Knyght, all those hys hord- 
“ shypps & Mannor of Barnestaple, als Barnestable & Bar- 
“ nestaple Fee, aforesayd, with all hys messuags, houses, 
“ buyldyngs, lofts, barnes, stables,wast groundes, dovehouses, 
“ orchards, gardyns, landes, ten’ts, meadowes, pastures, 
“ comons, waies, pathes, wasts, mores, fursse, heth, marshes, 
“ waters, fyshynges, woodes, underwoodes, water courses, 
“ rents, rev’cons, svics, courts lets, vewe of Franckplege, 
“ assise of bred, wyne and ale, weyves, estrees, fefermes, 
“ annuytyes, knyghts fees, wards marryages, eschetes, 
** releves, herryotts, fynes, amcyaments, advosons, vyllens, 
(( fay res, marketts, tolls, tallags, customes, ryghts, jurys- 
" dyccons, franchyses, privileges, pfytts, comodytyes, emo- 
“ luments, & hereds whatsoev, beynge anye pte, pcell, or 
“ member of the sayd lordshyppes or mannor, or anye of 
“ them, or knowen, hade, reputed, taken,occupyed, or enjoyed 
“ as pte, pcell, or member thereof, with all & singuler ther 
“ apptennces. And all hys ryght, tytle, intereste, use and 
“ possession, whiche he hathe in or to the sayd pemysses, and 
“ evye pte 8c pcell therof, and all & singuler other the landes, 
“ ten’ts, rents, rev’cons, svics, and heredytaments, with their 
*’ apptenncs in Barnestaple, als Barnestable aforesayd, spe- 
<s cyfyed and contained in the sayd Ires patens; & all hys 
“ Castell and Bouroughe of Barnestable, als Barnestaple, and 
all other hys lands, ten’ts, rents, rev’cons, svics, & hereds 
‘ whatsoev, with all S: singler theire apptennces, sett, lyenge, 
“ a « d beynge in the towne, fyldes, & pyshe of Barnestable, 
“ als Barnestaple aforesayd, wherof the sayd Samuell ys 
“ and stondeth seassed of eney estate of enherytance in fee 
“ symple, or fee tayle, together with all evidences, charters, 
“ dedes, wrytyngs, & inynuments, rentalls, terrors & courte 
44 roulls, concernynge onlye the sayd Lordshyppe & Mannor 


427 


“ or other the pemysses by these pesents bgayned and sold 
“ & the true copyes of all suche other evydencs, charters, 
“ dedes, wrytyngs, & mynyments, as doe consne the pemy- 
“ sses, together with other Mannors, lands, & ten’ts. To have 
“ and to hold all & singler the sayd Lathstedes, Tolle boxe, 
u Marketts, & Fayers, and the yssues and pfytts of them & 
“ ev’ye of them corny nge and growynge, & the rev’con & 
“ rev’cons of the same & of ev’ye of them, & all the sayd 
“ Fordshvppes, Mannors, Castell, Bourough, and all other 
“ the sayd pemysses, with all & singler their apptences, 
“ & ev’ye pte & pcell therof, to the sayde S r John Che- 
“ Chester, Koyght, hys heires and assign, to the p’per 
“ use of the sayde S r John Chechester, hys heires, & 

“ assign for ev, in as ample mann & forme as he the 

“ sayd Samuell hath or ought to have, hold, & enjoye 
“ the same, by force of the graunte of the sayde late 

“ Kynge & Quene Philippe & Marye, or by anye other 

H wayes, meanes, conveyancs, or assurancs vvhatsoev. And 
u the sayde Samuell Marrowe counteth for hym, hys heyres, 
“ executors, & administr, to and with the sayd Sr John 
“ Chechester, hys heires, & assign, that the sayd Lorde- 
“ shyppes or Mannor, and all other the pemysses with 
“ thapptnncs & ev’ye pte & pcell therof, the day of then 
“ sealynge, delyvye, & makynge of these pesents, and from 
hensfourthe at all tymes, sbal be & contynew clerelye 
“ acquytede, exon’ated, & dyscharged, or savyed harmeles, 
" of & from all formr bgavnes, sales, tytles, joyntures, 
“ dowers, statuts of the staple, stafuts, marchaunts recog- 
“ nisannces, judgments, chargs, rents, am’cements, & ev’ye 
*' of them ; & of & from all other chargs, trubles, & incorn- 
“ brances whatsoev they be, hade, made, or don by the sayd 
“ Samuell Marrowe, or by anye other pson or psons, by hys 
“ meanes, pcuremente, or assente, the chyeffe rente or rents 
“ of the ffee therof from hensforth to be dewe, onlye ex- 

3 G 


428 


1 cepted. And the sayd Samuell Marrowe doth further 
“ covennte & graunte by these pesents, for hym, hys heires, 
“ executors, & administr, to & with the sayde S r John Chv- 
“ Chester, hys heires, & assign, that he the sayd Samuell 
“ hath nott at anye tyme syns the dethe of the sayd Thomas 
“ Marrowe hys father, made anye bargayne, sale, fefment, 
“ gyfte, graunte, leasse, or leasses, or any other intereste, 
“ estate, assurans, or conveyannce whatsoev, of & in the 
sayd Lordeshyppe, mannor, or anye other the pemysses, or 
“ anye pte or peel I thereof, by these presents before bgayned 
“ and sold, or of & in anye other mannors, messuags, 
“ houses, landes, ten’ts, rents, rev’eons, svics, or heredita- 
“ ments whatsoev, sett, lyenge, and beynge in the sayd 
“ towne, fylde, or pyshe of Barnestaple, als Barnestable, 
“ whyche the sayd Thomas hys late father, ther hade, & 
“ descended from hym to the sayd Samuell, or whyche by 
“ redempeon of anye morgage, or by any other wayes or 
“ meanes, are come, or at anye tyme hertofore were in the 
“ hands, seison, tenure, occupacon, or possession of the sayd 
“ Samuell. And further, the sayde Samuell, for hym, hys 
“ heires, executors, and administrators, covennteth &graun- 
ft teth to & with the s<* Sir John Chechester, hys heires & 
“ assign, that the sayde Samuell Marrowe & Margarett hys 
“ wyffe, & ev’ye of them, shall make, doe, or suffer to be 
“ made or done, to the sayde Sr John Chechester, hys heires 
“ & assign, all such further acte & acts, thynge & tbyngs, 
“ in the lawe, assurance, and conveyance, for the suer ma- 
“ kynge of the sayde pemysses, & ev’ye pte & pcell therof, 
4 ‘ with warrantye onlye agaynste the sayde Samuell, hys 
“ heires & assign, at the costs & chargs in the lawe of the 
“ sayd Sr John Chechester, hys heires & assign, as shal be 
“ reasonablye devysed or advysed by the sayde Sr John 
“ Chechester, hys heires or assign, or by hys or their lerned 
“ ^ouncell in the lawe, at all tyme & tymes, at the requeste 


429 


“ of the sayd Sr John Chechester, hys heires or assign, 
“ within the space of three yeres nexte ensuyng the date 
*' herof, so that the sayd Margarett be nott at anye tyme 
“ or tymes compelled or requested for the makynge of the 
“ sayd assurance, to travyll or goo further then to the 
“ Townes of Coventrye or Warwycke. In Wytnes wherof 
“ the ptyes aforesayd to these indentures, interchaungeably 
“ have sett ther handes and selies, the daye and yere fyrste 
“ above wryttyn. 

« T. JEFFREYS, Clk. Try. 

“ 10th Aug. 1774.” 


430 


CHAPTER IV. 

Barnstaple a Naval Port in the Reign of Edward III .— 
Vessels and supplies furnished to Queen Elizabeth— 
Reprisal Ships—Ship Tax in the reign of Charles I .— 
Civil War. 


BARNSTAPLE A NAVAL PORT IN THE REIGN OF 
EDWARD III. 

The state of the British Navy in the present day, 
forms a magnificent contrast with what it was in for¬ 
mer times, when the maritime strength of the Kingdom 
consisted almost entirely in trading vessels, belonging 
to private individuals. No expedition could be under¬ 
taken without the aid of merchant ships, and fishing 
barks. As a proof of the importance these were consi¬ 
dered to be of, and also how subservient they were 
made to the use of the crown, it may be mentioned 
that Edward II., on the detention of three English 
vessels by the Norwegians, wrote to the king of Nor¬ 
way to demand their being given up, urging that he 
“ cannot quietly put up with the vessels belonging to 
f r his Kingdom, which ought at all times to he ready 
“ for his service , being detained in foreign coun- 




431 


“ tries/ 5 * Edward 111. also, (1340, Oct. 11,) wrote to 
the “ Shirefs of the maritime Shires, 55 ordering them, 
“ as the security of the Kingdom depetided upon 
ir the vessels being kept in the hands of his own 
“ subjects , to make proclamation forbidding persons 
having ships to “ give or sell them to any Foreigner 5 5 f 

I do not find it recorded that Barnstaple furnished 
either of these Monarchs with any ships, but it is 
certain that we sent a deputy to a council held by 
Edward III. in 1344. 

Feb. 6. “The King, again desirous to be informed 
“ of the state of the navy or shipping in England, sent 
“ precepts to the Magistrates of all the Ports, ordering 
“ them to return a number of representatives, propor- 
“■ tioned to their trade or population, well acquainted 
€t with maritime affairs, to a council of shipping, or 
“ naval parliament, to be held in the ensuing Lent. 55 
Forty-four places, of which Barnstaple is one, are 
mentioned, sending in all sixty-four representatives. 
We have here sufficient evidence that Barnstaple was a 
port of some importance early in the fourteenth cen¬ 
tury, with a probability that it then furnished, as 
occasion required, part of the defensive force of the 
kingdom. 

VESSELS AND SUPPLIES FURNISHED TO QUEEN 
ELIZABETH. 

Barnstaple we know had the distinguished honor of 
lending her aid towards the destruction of a hostile 

* Faed. V. 3, p. 400. t Ibid. 5, p. 200. 


432 


fleet, which, says Camden,* ‘ f was the best appointed 
f ‘ of men, ammunition, and provisions, of all that the 
“ ocean ever saw, [what has ocean seen since!] and 
“ called by the arrogant appellation of invincible 
“ armada; it consisted of 130 ships of all kinds, 
“ 19,290 soldiers, 8,530 sailors, 2,080 galley slaves, 
“ 2,630 cannon.” The whole English fleet sent to 
oppose this formidable armament ‘‘consisted of but 
“ 76 ships paid by the Queen,f and 38 by the City of 
“ London, besides S3 coasters, &c. sent by several 
“ other seaports, in all 197 vessels great and small.” 

Towards this fleet, Barnstaple contributed five ves¬ 
sels; their departure from hence in March, 1588, is 
thus briefly recorded; ff five ships went over the bar 
“ to join Sir F. D. at Plym° ” No mention is made 
of the size or equipment of the ships, but they were 
probably the same as will come under our notice in the 
next article. Numerically taken, the proportion of 
vessels furnished was considerable, being full one 
fortieth of the whole number employed on the expedi¬ 
tion. This circumstance cannot but impress us with 
a favorable idea of the means, as well as public spirit 
of the inhabitants at this period, both which must, in 

* Ann. Eliz. ad an. 1588. 

t What was termed the Navy of Queen Elizabeth, was stated 
by Burchet, secretary to the Admiralty in her reign, to consist of 
“ 59 line of battle ships, 1 of 100 guns, 9 of 88 to 60 guns, and 49 
“ of 58 to 40 guns ; besides which there were 58 vessels of 30 to 20 
“ guns, and 29 of 18 to 6 guns ; 146 in all.” Of this number, only 
13 were the property of the Crown ; the remainder were all hired. 


433 


order to accomplish such an undertaking, have been 
called forth in no ordinary degree. 

In 1595, we find “orders from the Councill that 
“ intelligence of two or three Spanish ships being sent 
“ into St. George Channel, the Maior was to p’vide a 
“ shipp of this harbour to rencounter [encounter] with 
<c them, her Majesty wd bear one half of ye Charge, 
“ and this Country adjoining to bear the other half; 
“ the Justices appointed John Barrett, of this Towne, 
“ Captayn of a new made shipp of William Morcome, 
“ for the service, which Mr. Maior & his Brethren do 
“ well leke of.* 

1596. “ In March a Commandment from the privy 
“ Counsel was brought, that this Towne shd sett forth 
r< the prudence , being about 100 Tons Burthen, pre- 
“ sently out of hand in warlike sorte, at the Charge of 
Cf this Towne, into whiche charge the whole north 
“ Division, being x hundred, [hundreds] shd be Con- 
“ trybutaries. A letter to the like effect came to the 
Earl of Bath and Mr. H. Fortescue, for the rating 
“ the Country, and the Counsel [Corporation] ap- 
cc pointed George Pyne, Maior of this Towne, Mr. 
Cf Thomas Leigh, and Bartholemew Harrys, for pur- 
veyors for the Victals, and other charge of the Ship. 
“ By the Earl of Bath’s letter and order, there was 
“ appoynted to be laid out by this Town forthwith, 
u one hundred pounds ; by Molton, forty pounds; by 

* Such was the stile in which a Town Clerk of Barnstaple 
wrote two centuries ago. 


434 


4t Torrington, xllb*; and by Bediford, xx 1! >* ;* and at 
“ a meeting at this time by divers of the said Townes, 
“ who agreed and made p’portion of the charge there- 
“ of for five months to be nyne hundred pounds and 
* € above ; this charge was both for the victualling the 
“ xl men that slid go in the said Shipp, for their 
“ Wag’s, and the Wag’s [Hire] of the Shipp, and 
“ other necessaries.” 

The Prudence appears to have joined the expedition 
sent this year against Cadiz, consisting of 126 ships, 
(•* 17 belonging to the Queen, the others hired,”) by 
which Spain was calculated to have suffered loss, 
“ by captures, and spoliation, to the amount of 20 
“ millions of ducats.” 

Part of the plunder found its way here, as on 
“ 8 th August arrived the Prudence, which brought 

much pillage from takeying of Cades [Cadiz].” 

Soon after this “ came to the Custom House a stay 
“ for sliippyng, with a commandment from the privy 
“ Counsellors to adv’tise them of number of marynes 
“ [mariners!] and shippynge with their burdens be- 
“ longing to Barnestaple rf” but I meet with no further 
account of ships being furnished to the government 

* This may certainly be taken as a fair criterion of the compa¬ 
rative importance of the different towns; but we should rather have 
expected Bideford to have contributed more, instead of less, than 
Southmolton and Torrington, these last had probably flourishing 
woollen manufactures. 

t It is much to be regretted that no record of this official return 
of the number and tonnage of vessels belonging to the Port, has 
been preserved. 


at this time. Sir Richard Grenville one of Queen 
Elizabeth’s naval commanders, appears to have made 
Barnstaple his head quarters during the war with Spain. 

In 15S6, “ 16 April, Sir Richard Grenvylle sailed 
“ over the bar with his flee [fl y] boat and frigett; this 
Sir Richard Greynville pretended his goinge to 
“ Wyngandecora, where he was last year.”* 

(e In December this year (1586) Sir Richard Greyn- 
ff fildf came home, bringing a prise with him laden 
C€ with sugar, ginger, & hyds.” 

This enterprising officer was a Justice of the Peace 
for this division, and in that capacity was present at 
“ a general muster here at Barn,’ (24th Feb. 1586,) 
“ before my Lord of Bath, Sr Richard Greynfild, Mr. 
“ Hugh Ackland, and Mr. George Wyot, Justices, of 
€t all the able men, with a shew of their arms and 
st furniture, of the hundreds of Braunton, Sherwell, 

* Sir R, Grenville had the previous year gone out to N. America 
with seven ships sent by Sir Walter Raleigh; he anchored in Wo- 
cocon Harbour, Virginia, and left behind him a colony of 108 
persons at Roanoke, ** most of whom were either destroyed by the 
“ natives, or perished for want/* The account above given, must 
refer to his second voyage to the same place, when he left 50 meu ; 
the remnant of the first party had been in the mean time brought 
away by Sir Francis Drake. This second colony all perished ; in 
July 1587 ** not one of them remained.” That these unfortunate 
emigrants went from this neighbourhood, will not I think be doubted. 
A third settlement was attempted, but of 115 persons not one 
survived in 1590 ; “ they had all miserably perished with hunger, 
or had been massacred by the Indians.” 

t To find the name of an individual spelt in two or more different 
ways iu old documents, is of very frequent occurrence. 

3 H 


436 


“ and Fretningfon; and on Wednesday following the 
“ Inhabitants of this Town and Parish mustered before 
“ the s f i Justices in the Church , with a shewe of 
“ their arms and artillery Our chronicler sub¬ 
sequently mentions the capture of Sir R. Grenville by 
the Spaniards, which is thus spoken of by Sir Walter 
Raleigh :—“ But beyond all was that unparalleled 
“ resistance made by the gallant Sir Richard Grenville 
“ in the Queen’s Ship, the Revenge, in which he sus- 

tained a cruel engagement for fifteen hours against 
<f fifteen great Spanish Galleons, at the Azores, till his 
“ ship had neither men nor ammunition for defence 
<f any longer, and therefore yielded.” 

The victuallingsystem was very differently conducted 
at this period to what it is at present; orders were fre¬ 
quently received here from Government to collect pro¬ 
visions (butter, cheese, bacon, and grain) for the fleets 
acting against Spain. The following gloomy picture was 
drawn of the state of things here, in 1587; part of the 
evil arose, perhaps, from a temporary scarcity of corn. 

f ' The Dearthe of Corne yet remains; Wheate, viij ; 
“ and yet this countrye is dailey further charged with 
ft ammunition and harness, expecting and p’vidinge 
“ for invasions and warrs, which maketh the common 
“ sort fall into poverty for want of trade, so that divers 
“ fall to robbynge and stealinge ; the like hath never 
' r been seene.” 

Barnstaple was further serviceable to the crown, 
both in this, and the following reign, as a shipping 
port for soldiers on their way to Ireland ; considerable 
numbers embarked here at different times; on one 


437 


occasion (in 1601) it is mentioned that nearly S00 
were staying in the town, which must have been 
equal to more than one fifth of the inhabitants. These 
were but a part of what were sent at this time. Mr. 

44 Maior returning from London, brought letters that 
“ ij thousand soldyers would be transported to Ireland. 
44 P’vision & shyppyng for them accordingly.” 

On another occasion 44 1607, orders to the Maior to 
“ provide for 200 soldyers for Ireland, 100 whereof 
“ were Devonshire men, who had their conduct 
44 money & apparel, to wit, a monmouth capp, a coate, 
44 a doublet, ij shirts, a paire of breeches, a paire of 
44 stockinges, a pair of shoes, and vd in money. 

REPRISAL SHIPS. 

Several vessels under this specious title, belonged to 
this port, during the latter part of the reign of Queen 
Elizabeth. It can hardly be questioned that part if 
not all of them were the same as joiued the fleet sent 
against the Spanish Armada ; in order to engage in 
this service, they must have been well armed and 
equipped, and most probably returned from it much 
in the same trim. 

The supposition may be reasonably entertained, 
that the owners of these vessels, considering that being 
now fitted out in warlike sort,” they might be pro¬ 
fitably employed in hostile operations, resolved to 
send them 44 a reprising,” as Peter Wjot terms it. 
Licences for such a purpose might, of course, be rea¬ 
dily obtained, since Elizabeth, by granting letters of 


438 


reprisals,* ** would be helping forward what she was 
most desirous to accomplish, the humiliation of Spain. 

1586. A Ship*]* of Sir William Courtenay, who 
“ went to sea, by force of Letters of Reprysals, and 
“ about May Day last, took a French Ship laden with 
“ Oyles, and in her dyvers Barrells of Coucheneall, 
“ besides xxiiij Baggs of Ryalls of Plate and Money, 
“ contg in every bagge iiij or v C Ryalls, and arryved 
“ atSalcombe.” 

“ 1589. Unicorn, a reprisal Ship of this Town, 
“ sent in a price [prize].” 

John Norrys with his Bark returned, having been 
“ a reprising. 

1590. “ The Prudence, a ship of 100 tons, be- 

“ longing to Mr. Dodderidge, of this town, with 
“ fourscore men , sailed over the bar on a reprisal 
“ voyage.” 

“ Arrived the Prudence, with a prize taken on the 
tr coast of Guiney, [Guinea] having in her iiii Chests 
“ of gold, to the value of xvi thousand pounds, and 
t€ divers chaynes of gold, with civit and other things 

of great value; such a price as this was never 
“ brought into this Port. Price about cxxx ton 


* The origin of reprisal ships is thus stated. “ In 1295, A mer- 
“ chant of Bayonc, having been plundered, whilst at Anchor on the 
“ coast of Portugal, of a large quantity of almonds and raisins, 

** which he was bringing to England; had licence granted to him 
“ his heirs, to seize the property of the Portuguese, wherever he 
“ could find it, during five years, or until he should be reimbursed 
“ for bis loss and all expenses.” Feed. v. 2, p. 691. 

t It is doubtful whether or no this vessel belonged to Barnstaple. 


439 


ff brought to Key Head, at Barnstaple, chests 8c 
ff baskets of gold, weighed cccxx pound.” 

We can readily believe that such a prize was never 
brought here before ; we should scarcely credit the 
statement, but for the weight of the gold being men¬ 
tioned, which serves to corroborate the account given 
of its value; this at four guineas per ounce, would 
exceed sixteen thousand pounds, 

1591. “ The Prudence of Barn: sent home 2 

prices.” 

<f A Bark of this Town wch had been a reprising, 
“ called the White Hart, put into Ilfordcombe 12*h 
“ Oct r brought home some Elifants teth.” 

“ A pinnace called the Fortmouth, a reprisal ship of 
“ the Harbour, brought in a Price laden with wynes.” 

1592. 64 xxv January, the Prudence brought in 

over the Bar, a price worth x thousand pounds.” 

1593. " The White Hart is taken.” 

44 The Gifte, a reprisal ship of this towne, belong- 
“ ing to W. Morcomb of this towne and others, 
44 carried a rich price into Ilfordcombe.” 

These valuable captures must have greatly enriched 
the town at this time; but I am disposed to look on 
the property thus obtained, as ill-gotten wealth. The 
owners of these 44 reprisal ships,” probably never asked 
themselves what right they had to prey on the possess¬ 
ions of individuals, merely because they were of a 
nation which was at war with their own ! the authority 
of the Queen could not convey such a title as our 
townsmen ought to have possessed, before they sent 
vessels 44 a reprising.” 


140 


1 come now to speak of the exactions drawn from 
Barnstaple by King Charles, under the appellation of 

SHIP MONEY. 

One of the most obnoxious measures set on by this 
impolitic and arbitrary Prince, is w^el! known to have 
been that of issuing 64 writs, commonly called ship- 
44 writs , under the great seal of England, for the 
44 providing and furnishing of certain ships for the 
44 King’s service, &c.” contrary as it was afterwards 
declared to be, 46 to the laws and statutes of the realm, 
44 the petition of right, and the liberty of the subject.” 

In 1634, 44 London and other Ports were ordered to 
44 provide shipping with ordnance, tackle, &c. for 26 
44 weeks.”* 

The work just referred to, gives a particular accountf 
of the ships which the different counties were in 1635 
directed to supply for the public service ; in which 
year 44 King Charles, bent on bringing the Dutch to 
44 acknowledge his sea dominion, the better to enable 
44 him to fit out a superior fleet, ordered his Chancellor 
44 Coventry to issue writs to the Sheriffs and Magis- 
44 trates for assessing and collecting money for fitting 
44 out ships of war, for suppressing pirates, and for the 
44 guard of the seas.” Each vessel was to be furnished 
with 44 a commander and sailors, with cannon, small 
i4 arms, spears, darts, ammunition, &c. answerable, 

* Fed v. 19, p. 547, 

t Vol. 19, p. 686. See also Macpherson’s Annals of Commerce. 


441 


“ and stored with provisions and double equipage, and 
“ all other necessaries, for 26 weeks at least; all which 
<f to be paid and maintained at their own charge.” 

The number of ships was 44; burden of the whole, 
11,500 tons; complement of men, 8610. 

Only one ship was ordered to be of 900 tons, and 
that was allotted to Devonshire ; she was to be provided 
with 360 men. The rest varied from 800 tons and 
320 men ; to 200 tons, and 80 men; London furnish¬ 
ed two of the former, and Bristol one of the latter size. 
“ Duty repeated annually till 1639, and was valued 
“ at <£200,000 per anuum.” 

We have now to see what Barnstaple contributed 
towards this impost. Turning to an ancient record, I 
find the following 

“ Accot in the year of our Ld 1634.” 

“ An assessment was made on the inhabitants & 
“ tenements of the town and parish of Barum towards 
“ setting forth a ship of war of 400 tons for His Ma- 
“ jesty^s service, for their whole estates and abilities, 

the total amount of which was <£601 3s.” 

“ 1635, 1636, 1637. There were 3 other assess- 
“ ments made on the inhabitants for ships of 900 
“ tons.” 

The cost of the Essex ship, which was one of 800 
tons, is stated, by way of example, to have been 
8,000/. Taking this as a guide, we have no diffi¬ 
culty in ascertaining the probable amount of the other 
vessels. 

That for which the first assessment was made here, 
would, of course, cost 4,000/. ; of this, if the statement 


442 


given is correct, and there is no reason to believe it 
to be otherwise, Barnstaple supplied, say in round 
numbers, 600/., or more than a seventh part. By a 
parity of calculation, the rate for a 900 ton ship must 
have amounted to 9,000/., or 27,000/. for the three 
years, and the proportion raised by Barnstaple to 
4,050/. equal to 10, or 12,000 in the present day. 

Enormous as this sum appears, I am only surmising 
the tax to have been paid for the period recognized by 
our own records, in which, however, it is more pro¬ 
bable that an omission may have occurred, than that 
Barnstaple should have been exempted for two years 
from an impost which was general throughout the 
country, and levied by a despotic and needy prince. 
Supposing then, as we must, that Barnstaple was not 
excused her quota of the tax, she paid 1,350/. per 
annum for five successive years in ship money only * 
The next subject which presents itself, both in order 
and in connexion with what we have just noticed, is 
that of the 


CIVIL WAR 

which “ followed hard upon,” and in which Barnsta¬ 
ple took a conspicious and energetic part, against the 
ill-fated Charles. 

The large sums of which the town had been drained, 

* This is the only one of the many obnoxious taxes imposed in 
tl'is reign, to which I find any particular allusion made; perhaps it 
was selected :;y the writer of the“ account” as being more oppressive 
than the rest. 


443 


by means of the ship fax, we may fairly conjecture to 
have weighed much with the inhabitants in their early 
and resolute determination to espouse the cause of 
the Parliament. Fully aware of the consequences that 
must ensue from the adoption of such a course, their 
declaration of war against the regal power was follow¬ 
ed up by active measures for the maintenance of their 
opposition ; the town was put into a respectable state of 
defence, and a martial force provided. 

1642. In August this year, the fortifications of 
“ tlie town, 5 ” are mentioned as approaching towards 
a finished state; a watch provided with musquets,” 
was appointed ; and a resolution passed, “ that every 
Maior do allow out of his stipend of £30, £10 
“ to wards the fortifications.” 

In September, four companies of foot, and a troop 
of horse soldiers were raised and armed, and a consi¬ 
derable quantity of warlike stores provided. 

*** ce Oct. 15.* Whereas much monie hath been 
“ disbursed about the fortifications, and more likely 
“ to be, and the town without stock of money ; for 
supply whereof, Mr. Geo. Peard offers to lend £50, 
“ Mr. Rich**- Beaple £50, Mr. Pent. Bodderidge £50, 
<£ Mr. Richard Ferris £25 ; for which suras Mr. Wm* 
“ Palmer, Maior, Gilbert Paige, and Henry Masson, 
“ Aldermen, to give their bonds, for the raising where- 
ei of, &c. surveys of town lands to be held to raise, &c. 

* The several articles which follow, marked thus *** are given 
without abbreviation of alteration, from a conviction that they ought 
to he preserved en'irc. The/ are frum a source uf unquestionable 


444 


“ William Palmer, Maior 
“ Gilbert Paige, > 

“ Henry Masson, ^Aldermen 

“ Richard Beaple 
“ Pentecost Dodderidge 
“ Justinian Westcomb 
“ Richard Ferris 
“ John Down 


“ William Noltle 
“ Roger Peard 
44 Anthony Gay 
44 Thomas Horwood 
44 George Baker 
“ James Gommon 
“ Richard Harris 
44 Adam Lugg.” 


%* Octr 17. “Thomas Honvood,, William Nottle, 
“ Penfound Curry, James Gommon, Roger Peard, 
“ Thomas Matthew, John Downe, Nicholas Harris, 
44 appointed at a Committee or Councell of War, to 
44 order business for the fortifications and defence of 
44 the towne ; who, or the greater number, to meet 
“ together at the Guildhall every day, to order what 
44 is to be done about the fortifications, &c. and what 
“ is to be then done, and is confirmed by 
44 William Palmer, Maior 44 Gilbert Paige, > 

“ George Peard, Depy Rec r “ Henry Masson, \ Aldermen 
1643. The projected fortification of the town 
being still incomplete, and a further supply of money 
required ; 

*** “ January 24. Agreed that a general meeting 
of Common Counsel, Burgesses, and other Inhabit- 
€C ants of Town, meet at Guildhall to propound a 
tf Rate to be made for finishing Fortifications of the 
<f Town, &c. and that six be appointed to make rate 
“ and to take oath to make rate indifferently. 

44 W. Palmer, Maior “ Mr. Lewis Downe 

44 Geo. Peard, Depy. Recr. 44 Mr. G. Baker 

44 Gilbert Paige, Aldn. 44 Mr. Lewis Palmer 

44 Ricbd. Beaple 44 James Baker 

44 Pent. Dodderidge 44 Adam Lugg 


445 


’» Justinn. Westcomb 
“ Richd. Ferris 
“ Walter Tucker 


“ Jno. Downe 


“ W. Nottle 
“ R. Peard 
« R. Harris.” 


%* “ Jany- 25. At Assembly of Common Counsel!, 
“ Burgesses, and Inhabitants, agreed that seven men 
“ be appointed to make a rate for moneys, for defray- 
ie ment of charges disbursed, &c. about the fort, and 
“ other defensive provisions for the town. Raters to 
“ take oath to rate men without partiality, and none 
“ to be rated but such as have been rated to subsidy, 
“ and such others as raters think fit. That notice be 
taken who have already subscribed, and what they 
u have subscribed and paid, and of such as have not 
subscribed, and of such as have subscribed and not 
“ paid. That they and such as refuse to pay as rated, 
i€ shall be taken as malignants and enemies to the town, 
and such as are ill affected to the cause. The raters 
“ chozen and agreed upon on all sides are George 
“ Peard, John Downe, W. Nottle, Roger Peard, Jos. 
“ Bonifant, John Frost, John Sweete. 

“ What rate they or the greater number shall make, 
“ agreed to be paid, which raters have taken their 
“ oath, the form of which is as followeth. 

“ I, George Peard , do voluntarily sic ere by the 
“ contents of the Holy Evangelists , that the rate 
“ which I am now entrusted to make , shall be by 
“ me done without any favour or affection , hatred 
“ or malice, or any other partial respect , and 
<f according to my best judgment; the like by the 
<r rest.” 


416 


I cannot find that any copy of the rate here men¬ 
tioned,, is in existence; had it been preserved to 1 he 
present time, it would be a curious, and might prove 
a useful document. 

*** “ May 30. Agreed at general meeting, that 
Ci a Counsell of War, chozen for ordering martial 
affairs within this town, during these troublesome 
“ times, and the parties so to be chosen of the town 
are Mr. William Palmer, Maior, Mr. Geo. Peard, 
“ Esq. Recorder, Mr. Henry Masson, Mr. Alexander 
“ Horwood, Mr. Richard Harris, Mr. William Nottle; 
(e and of strangers, Mr. Hugh Fortescue, Esq. Col. 

Chudleigh, Col. Rolles, Lieut. Col. Stevenson, and 
“ Captn. Bennett; w ho have power to determine what 
“ is neeessary for defence of the town ; which Counsell 
“ of War to meet once a day.” 

*** 4f June 13. Forasmuch as the necessities of the 
tymes require that great sums of money be raised for 
“ the defence of the town against those adversaries 
“ who have threatened the ruin thereof; and whereas 
tc the Maior and Aldermen, have engaged themselves, 
44 and are to engage themselves, for great sums of 
<r money, employed, and to be employed, about the 
4r fortifications and other provisions, for the defence 
44 of the town; for which engagements other persons 
44 have obliged themselves unto them, for indemnity ; 
" therefore it shall be lawful for the Maior, Aldermen, 
t€ and Feoffees of Town Lands, or Bridge Lands, to 
44 fill up Estates and grant reversionary Leases ;* such 

* It would hence appear that the practice of letting the Corpora¬ 
tion and Bridge Lands for long terms, had its origin at this period. 


447 


“ monies to go towards discharging such debts as the 
Maior, Aldermen, and other persons, have engaged 
“ themselves for on the behalf of the town and its 
“ defence; if soe much money shall not be raised as 
will suffice to discharge the said engagements, to 
“ such persons as are, or shall be engaged, then so 
ff much as shall be raised, to be paid in proportion; 
4f that some other course shall be taken for full satis- 
“ faction. 

“ William Palmer, Maior 
44 Gilbert Paige 
“ Henry Masson 
44 Richard Beaple 
“ Pentecost Dodderidge 
44 Richard Ferris 
“ Alexander Horwood 
About this time, i. e. in this year, an Act of Par¬ 
liament was passed 44 for protecting and saving harm- 
4f less all such as should use their best endeavour, for 
fortifying and preserving the town of Barnstaple, in 
4f the County of Devon. 

%* “ Jtuie 27. Whereas divers of the Capitall 
“ Burgesses and other inhabitants, have promised to 
“ be bound in sums of money, towards payment of 
44 greater sums borrowed and employed in fortiheati- 
44 ons, &c. for the defence and preservation of this 
44 town, and inhabitants thereof, against all surprisals 
44 and attempts which shall be made against the 
“ same ; 

44 It is agreed, if any parties who have so promised, 


44 Roger Peard 
44 Walter Tucker 
44 Charles Peard 
44 John Downe 
44 Richard Harris 
‘ 4 William Nottle.” 


* Macaulay, Vol. 5, App, vii. 


448 


(( 

«( 

«t 

(t 

u 


refuse to enter in bonds, &c. such persons shall he 
declared to he adversaries to the King [!] and Par¬ 
liament, the liberties of the subject, and professed 
enemies to the good and welfare of this Town, and 
of the inhabitants thereof. 

“ William Palmer, Maior “ Richard Harris 
“ Gilbert Paige “ Alexander Horvvood 

4< Henry Masson “ Walter Tucker 

“ Richard Beaple “ Charles Peard 

“ Pentecost Dodderidge “ John Downe 
“ Richard Ferris “ Roger Peard 

“ William Notde. ,, 


Within a month from the last mentioned date, the 
city of Bristol surrendered to the King’s forces. This 
event, whilst it damped the spirits of the adherents of 
the Parliament in the west, rendered it necessary for 
them to he on the alert, and we soon find the valiant 
men of Barnstaple and Bideford uniting* their forces in 
order to attack a body of the King’s troops, which 
were stationed at Torrington, under the command of 
Colonel Digby, for the purpose of preventing a junc¬ 
tion between the North Devonians and the Garrison at 
Plymouth, whose object was to unite, for the purpose 
of relieving Exeter, then in a state of siege. 

They went—but not to victory ! Lord Clarendon’s 
account of this luckless expedition sets the courage of 
our countrymen, whose ’numbers he states to have 
amounted to 1,200 foot and 300 horse,* in but a sorry 


* Query, Are not these'numbers grfflf/y overrated? Barnstaple 
appears by the “ Summarie of Disbursements," given in a subse¬ 
quent part of this ehapter, which carries with it' every appearance 


449 


light. On their arrival without Torringfon, “ a forlorn 
“ hope of 50 musqueteers,” was sent against a party of 
the enemy ; on being charged by Colonel Digby and 
five of his officers, this “forlorn ” party fell back on 
the main body, who, partaking of their panic, joined 
them in inglorious flight, and were pursued by the 
enemy’s cavalry <c till their swords were blunted with 
" slaughter, and his numbers overburdened with 
“ prisoners. 

In this action* there were near 200 killed, and 
ie above 200 taken prisoners, and those that fled con- 
“ tributed more to the victory than the prisoners or 
ic the slain ; for they were scattered and dispersed over 
“ all the country, and scarce a man without a cut over 
the face or head, or some other hurt, that wrought 
“ more upon their neighbours towards their conver. 
“ sion, than any sermon [that] could be preached to 
“ them. Some of the principal officers and of their 
" horse got into Bediford and Barnstaple, and, not 
“ considering the inconvenience of acknowledging 
“ that God was extraordinary propitious to the cava- 
liers, told strange stories of the ‘ horror and fear that 
ee seized upon them, and that nobody saw above six 

of correctness, to have furnished but 370 foot, and 130 horse, or 
one third of the number stated. Bideford was evidently inferior in 
the extent of her resources to Barnstaple, so much so, as even to 
require succour from her neighbour, how then was she to provide 
twice as many troops on this occasion as were sent by Barnstaple ? 

* This disastrous affair took place, according to Clarendon, 
about August 21, but by our own records (see “ Sumrnaric of Dis¬ 
bursements”) it happened on the 3rd or 4th of that month. 


450 


ee of the enemy that charged them, 5 which proved a 
“ greater dismay to their friends than their defeat. 55 * * * § 
Hitherto the Barumites, although they had seen 
something of the pomp and circumstance of war, 55 
in the raising and equipment of soldiers, the erection 
of fortifications, occasional dispatch of troops to other 
parts of the country, &c.j* had had nothing to do with 
the enemy at home: they were now to behold a 
spectacle as yet new to them,—that of a hostile army 
taking possession of their town. 

As might have been expected, the defeat at Tor- 
rington was followed by the conquest both of Barnsta¬ 
ple and Bideford, and also of “ the Fort at Appledore, 
“ which commanded the river to Barnstaple and Bide- 
“ ford. 55 ;*; They, however, submitted quietly, (panic 
struck, no doubt,) and by this means secured their 
persons and property from injury. They yielded 
upon promise of pardon, and such other articles as 
rr w ere of course ; which Colonel Digby saw precisely 
“ observed, in point of plunder and violence tow ards 
“ the inhabitants. And this success so wrought on 
“ the spirits and temper of the people, that all persons 
“ of eminent disaffection withdrawing themselves ac- 
“ cording to the articles, Colonel Digby within a very 
“ few days increased his small party § to the number 
“ of 3,000 foot and 800 horse. 5 * 

* Lord Clarendon’s History of the Rebellion, vol. 2, p. 038. 

t See “ Summarie of Disbursements.” 

X Clarendon’s Rebellion, vol. 2, p. 338. 

§ 1 do nor find it any where staled, of how many this “ small 
partv ” consisted. 


451 


Nothing material appears to have happened here 
until Barnstaple again changed masters. This event 
occurred in less than a year from the time of its sur¬ 
render to Colonel Digby, the town in the mean time 
having been left, it would seem, with scarcely any 
regular troops for its defence. 

44 Memd m - That the 1 day of July, 1664, a day 
never to be forgotten by the inhabitants of Barnes- 
“ taple for God*s mercie and favor shewed in that 
4f miraculous deliverance of them from that bloody 
4f conspiracy of some of our neighbours, in inviting 
44 and bringing in 5 or 600 horse and foot, being 
44 French, Irish, and some English,against the said town, 
44 with purpose to have put all therein to the sword, 
“ and to have possessed themselves of the whole town, 
but were repulsed and driven away by the small 
46 power our townsmen had ; our warning and notice 
“ was but two days before. 

44 On the 9ih July, one Howard, a Lieutenant, who 
44 was taken prisoner in the fight, was hanged at the 
44 High Cross of Barnestaple.” 

It is difficult to reconcile this statement with the 
fact that the town came at this precise period into the 
hands of the parliamentary forces,* many hundreds of 
whom were stationed here for different periods between 
July 1st and September 17tb, by which the inhabitants 

* Sir Edward Walker, in his “ Historical Discourses/’ a work 
which I cannot now refer to. mentions the revolt of Barnstaple 
from the King, in July, 1644 ; and also, if I mistake not, of the 
town being then immediately garrisoned by the Earl of Essex, for 
the Parliament. 

3 K 


452 


were drained of nearly 3,000/.* Was the “ bloody 
“ conspiracy,” (so named, probably, in the excess of 
party feeling,) in reality any thing more than a plan 
concerted by some of the “ eminently disaffected,” to 
put the Round Heads again in possession of the town ? 
which was, in fact, accomplished, notwithstanding the 
assailants are said to have been repulsed and driven 
away, and the first of July to have been observed as a 
day of rejoicingj* in commemoration of the victory. 

An attempt to reconcile the two accounts would be 
vain ; it is not however of importance, since the main 
point, namely, that the town was in the hands of the 
Parliament, is sufficiently established without it. 
Further proof of this, “ if proof were wanting,” is 
supplied by the circumstance of Barnstaple having been 
retaken for the King, on September 17th, the identical 
day on which it is recorded that “ the Lord General 
“ Essex, his life guards and servants,” with several 
hundred soldiers, ceased to be chargeable to the 
inhabitants. The Garrison surrendered to General 
Goring, (whether in consequence of a siege, or a battle, 
or merely a summons, we are not informed) on the 
following conditions, “ Garrison to march away with 
ce a convoy to Portsmouth* with drums heating, 
" colours flying, and their arms; and that the town 
“ should not be plundered, nor the inhabitants moles- 
u ted.”J Here “adds the historian, his Majesty 
“ gained fifty pieces of ordnance, and at llfar Combe, 
“ taken a few days before, near twenty.” 

* See " Summarie of Disbursements.” + See p. 80. 

X “ Rush worth's Historical Collections,” vol, 5, p. 713. 


453 


1645. Whether our ancestors had now really 
become good subjects, or only wore the mask of loyalty 
in the presence of the King’s troops, is a question not 
now to be solved; but however (his might be, it was 
not judged unsafe to permit the Heir Apparent to the 
throne, to sojourn amongst them; Barnstaple was 
indeed considered the most eligible place* to which 
the Prince of-Wales could remove from Bristol, which 
it was deemed advisable he should quit. This occur¬ 
red just about the time of the battle of Naseby, so 
disastrous to the royal cause; the first intelligence the 
Prince received of this engagement, awaited him on 
his arrival at Barum. During his stay here, which 
was from one to two months, he transacted business 
with “ the Commissioners of Devon and Cornwall” 
whom he had appointed to meet him. The object 
of both bodies was, principally, to prefer complaints 
against Sir Richard Grenvil, for several exorbitant 
“ and strange acts of tyranny” in one county, and 
“ raising what money he pleased, and committing 
“ what persons he pleased” in the other. This offi¬ 
cer, who acted in the double capacity of military 
Commander, and High Sheriff of Devon,t and Ge- 

* See page 37. 

t To what diabolical schemes of rapine and injustice does war 
give rise 1 Invest an unprincipled man with power, and with what 
fie&d-Tikc ingenuity and eagerness will he proceed to the lawless 
exercise of it, as opportunity may offer for doing so with impunity. 
One way in which this notable plunderer amassed wealth, was by 
frequently calling out the posse comitalus, and that without occa¬ 
sion. Those who might not obey the call, had “ a party of horso 


454 


neral Goring were, each in his turn, the scourge of 
the North of Devon. Of the latter. Lord Clarendon 
says,— 44 When he was at Barnstaple, he gave himself 
“ his usual licence of drinking,” at the same time 
allowing 46 his army, which was then quartering at 
44 Torrington, and all over the North of Devon,” to 
commit 44 such intolerable insolences and disorders, as 
44 alienated their hearts who were best affected to the 
“ King’s service.” 

The Prince of Wales also received a visit here from 
Prince Maurice of Bohemia, a commander in the 
royal army. 

I find no reference made to the sojourn of the Prince 
in Barnstaple in any of the private records I have met 
with; which, though somewhat extraordinary, is not 
much to be regretted, when we consider the general 
profligacy of his habits. One circumstance, however, 
characteristic of the man whom history designates 
44 an irreconcileable enemy of the protestant religion, 
44 a parliament, and a virtuous woman” has been 
handed down traditionally, viz. that (to use the words 

“ psesently sent to apprehend their persons, and drive their grounds. 

“ If men hid themselves from being apprehended, they durst not 
“ send to require their stock; so that he had a greater stock of 
“ cattle of all sorts upon his grounds, than any person whatsoever 
“ in the West of England:—Clarendon's Hist. Vol, 2. 

Wcfiud this titled marauder subsequently “ desiring at Barnsta- 
“ pie a protection for his houses and lands” from the Prince of 
Wales ; but we afterwards see him committed by the Prince, to 
Launceston Goal, for disobedience of orders; from thence he was 
removed to Saint Michael’s Mount, and, lastly, he had leave 
granted him to transport himself “ beyond the seas.” 


455 


of my informant) te though his visit was short, he left 
a scion of royalty in the town, and his descendants 
are still living, numerous and highly respectable, 
“ both in Barnstaple and its neighbourhood.” The 
royal bantling was a female. The family alluded to 
is said to have once enjoyed an hereditary title. 

The house in which the Prince is supposed to have 
resided, is that now numbered 112, in High Street, 
formerly (that part of it, at least, in which the house in 
question stands) Southgate Street. Those of my 
townsmen who may have heard it stated that the royal 
residence was on or near the Quay, will recollect, that 
the house already alluded to has now a back way from 
the Quay, which, two centuries ago, was, doubtless, 
more commodious than at present. It is very probable, 
indeed, that this was formerly the principal entrance, 
and that there was a full view of the river from what is 
now considered the back part of the house ; hence it 
might very properly be termed “ near the Quay.” 

1646. April. But a year and half ago, we saw the 
King^s troops supplanting those of the Parliament, and 
the latter marching away with the shew of military 
honours, leaving their conquerors in possession of the 
more substantial part of the thing, namely, the town 
of old Barum, with its lieges, fifty pieces of ordnance, 
&c. &c. But the wheel of fortune has made another 
revolution, and the Cavaliers must now in their turn 
file off, with the empty parade of drums and colours, 
before the victorious Round Heads ; whilst the peace¬ 
able inhabitants, as if they were so many automatons, 
are turned over to their new masters, and the town 


456 


becomes once more a rebel garrison. This was, how¬ 
ever, to he the last transfer; already was the power 
of the unfortunate Charles annihilated, his friends 
dispirited, his enemies triumphant, himself a captive, 
and the crisis of his fate hastening rapidly onward. 

“ Sir Thomas Fairfax advanced to Barnstaple, Fri- 
“ day, April 10th, and summoned that town, who, 
[which] not being in a capacity to make a long 
“ defence, came to a capitulation, which was con- 
“ eluded on Sunday, 12th ; the articles being in effect 
“ much the same as those of Exeter;”* these were 
“ to be allowed to march out of garrison, fully armed 
“ and equipped, with drums, colours, &c.”*|* 

The following narration (which 1 judge to be from 
a private record, but cannot state with certainty) gives 
a more detailed and, it may be presumed, not less 
correct account of this capitulation. 

General Fairfax, after taking Exeter for the 
“ Parliament, invested Barnstaple, in the year 1645. 
“ It was then commanded by Colonel Bassett, who 
“ was made Governor for his loyalty and steadiness in 
“ the cause of his King. From its defenceless state 
‘f he could not make much resistance, but he obtained 
“ the same terms as Exeter, viz.—That the churches 
“ should not be defaced ; that the Garrison should 
“ march out according to the most honourable custom 
“ of war, with arms, and not be compelled to march 
<c above ten miles a day; that the composition of 
“ persons of quality should not exceed two years* pur- 


* Rusliwortb, vol. 6, p. 226. 


t Ibid. 


457 


“ chase; that ail persons comprised within these 
“ articles, should quietly and peaceably enjoy all their 
“ goods, debts, and moveables; and be free from all 
“ oaths, covenants, and protestations.” 

The taking jaf the town at this time by the parlia¬ 
mentary troops, who were now every where victorious, 
followed their other conquests as a matter of course. 

As might be expected, no further historical account 
is to be met with, relative to proceedings here during 
the short remaining period of the Civil War ; but two 
or three private records of some importance remain yet 
to be noticed. 

The “ Summarie ” which follows will be regarded 
with interest not only by Barumites, but by the lovers 
of English history in general; it presents us with 
an excellent epitome, not only of the disbursements, 
but of the military proceedings in the principal garri¬ 
son town in the North of Devon, during the height of 
the revolution. 

%* “ Summarie of Disbursements made by the 
“ Inhabitants of the town of Barnstaple, in Plate and 
“ Money, for fortifying the said town, and the pay- 
“ ment and quartering of soldiers, faithfully collected 
" from the particulars, which by credible and honest 
Cf persons, in that behalf entrusted, will appear upon 
“ oath. 

£ s. d. 

“ Lent in Money and Plate.1191 17 9 

“ For raising and arming 4 foot companies 
“ and a troop of horse, upon the first 
“ publishing the Commission of Array, 



458 




£ 

s. 

d. 

Brought over • . . . 


1191 

17 

9 

•• which in money and quarters 

from 




“ 15th Sept r to 15th Deer 1642, came to 

1030 

0 

6 

For nyntie barrels of Powder . . 

. . 

450 

0 

0 

For foure tonne of Match . . . 

. . 

112 

0 

0 

For foure tonne of Shott greate 

and 




“ smale .. 


72 

0 

0 

For setting forth 460 foot, and 40 horse 




“ against Torrington, Jany 1643, 

with 




“ Money and Victual, 2 daies 

• • 

70 

0 

0 


“ For setting* forth 2 Companies to Mod- 
“ bury, consisting- of 154 Soldiers, under 
“ Captn Benson, and Captn Currie, 27 
“ daies with Monie and Victual . . , 

“ For Bisquet, Bacon, Pease, and Beere, 
“ sent to Stratton, by order to the Army, 

“ May 3, 1643. 

“ For setting forth 400 foote and 70 horse, 
“ to beat off the enemy in South Molton, 
“ with Monieand Victual, 17 July, 1643, 

“ 2 daies.. 

“ For setting 370 Soldiers and 130 Horse 
“ against Torrington, with Money and 
“ Victuals, 3 Aug. 1643, 2 daies . . 
c “ In Money and Provisions to furnish 2 
“ Ships, to keep the Port from May to 
“ Sept. 2nd, 1643, and setting forth a 

“ Man of War. 

d “ In Disbursements for Materials and Wa- 
“ ges to build the Fort, in which were 
“ mounted 28 Pieces of Ordnance . . 
e {i For entrenchiug the Town , . . . . 


50 0 0 


106 0 0 


40 0 0 


80 0 0 


190 0 0 


1120 0 0 
450 0 0 


Carried up. 4961 18 3 









459 


Brought up . •. 

“ In Fortifying the Castle, building 3 
“ defensible Gates, and making lGPiat- 

“ forms.. 

“ Bor Money, Corn, and Powder, sent to 
“ Bitheford, to encourage them to hold 
“ out the siege against Col. Digby . . 

“ For Money and Quarters, for 640 foot 
“ Souldiers, under Col. Chidley, Capt. 
“ 1 revillian, and Capt. Bennet, together 
“ with 70 Horse under Capt- Freeman, 
“ from 16 Dec 1 ' 1642, to 17 Sept* ,1643 
“ For quartering the Lord Marshall’s Bri- 
“ gade, with his Traine, 10 days, July, 
“ 1644 ....... . . ; . 

“ in Money lent the Lord Marshall to be 
“ repaid in 20 daies, yet unsatisfied 
f “ Raised for his Soldiers upon the Town at 

“ their departure. 

“ In Money and Quarters of 374 Soldiers 
“ under Col. Lutterell, 11 weeks, from 
“ July 1 to Sepir 17, 1644 . . . . 

“ For quartering Captn Deane’s, Captn 
“ Needham’s, and Captn Spooner’s Com- 
“ panies, for 4 July to 17 Sept* 1644 
“ For Money which Col. Luttrell raised iu 

“ the Town.. . . . 

“ For quartering of Lord Geueral Essex, 
“ his Life Guards, and Servants, in ell 
“ 126, from 6 to 17 Sept* 1644 . . . 
“ In Money paid the L4 G1 and his Life 
Guards, at their departure .... 

Carried over . . 

3 L 


£ s . d. 
4061 18 3 

660 0 0 

200 0 0 

4900 0 0 

I , [> 

650 0 0 

f 

465 0 0 
314 10 0 

708 8 0 

412 10 0 
160 0 0 

69 6 0 
60 0 0 


. 13561 12 3 








460 


£ . 9 . cl. 

Brought over.. 13561 12 3 

“ In Money and 2 Chirurgions, for curing 

V wounded Soldiers . *. 20 0 0 

g w The Repaire of our Bridges, the demo- 
“ lishing of Houses, and laying Wast of 
“ Land, on which the Fort Lyne and 
“ Intrenchments were made, more than 3000 0 0 

Total. h £ 16581 12 3 

a This appears an enormous quantity of such an 
article, especially when compared with fhe shot; of the 
latter, however, they must doubtless have procured a 
much larger supply. 

b 1 find no mention elsewhere made of these skir¬ 
mishing expeditions. 

c No other notice occurs of this armament; the sum 
mentioned can hardly be correct. Should it not rather 
have been one thousand and odd pounds ? 

d It is a generally received opinion that no building 
was erected on Fort Hill, because (for I know of no 
other reason being given) there remains no trace of 
any ; this entry may be fairly allowed to set the ques¬ 
tion at rest, by deciding that there was a fort built. 
Might it not have been of wood ? but whether formed 
of that material or of stone, there is every probability 
from the state of the town finances, that what remained 
at the close of the war was converted into money. 
Timber would, of course, be quickly cleared away ; 
and stone, so conveniently situated for removal, (since 
there appears never to have been a good supply near 
the town,) must have been valuable. The proprietor 





461 


of the field also would be desirous to see it restored to 
a proper state of cultivation. The ground was well 
chosen for the purpose to which it wasapplied, beingan 
eminence commanding the principal approaches to the 
town, as well as the river. It was, without doubt, from 
this spot that the church at Pilton was cannonaded.* 

e No trace whatever now remains of these intrench- 
ments. 

f The “ ten days ” sojourn of the Lord Marshall 
(apparently) “ and his Traine,” was an honor less 
highly esteemed than dearly purchased. The expense 
of the visit to the inhabitants was upwards of 140/. 
per diem. 

g No statement has, I believe, been preserved of 
what houses were demolished or other damage done * 

* This edifice, which is situated a few furlongs N. of Fort Hill, and 
at a similar elevation, suffered considerable damage towards the 
close of the war. Over the porch is the following inscription. “ the 
‘ r Tower of this Parish being by force of arms pul’d down in ye laic 
u unhappy Civil Wars, Anno Dorn. 164G, was rebuilt 1696.” 
A great part of the body of the church was also destroyed, but has 
never been replaced ; portions of the walls still remain at nearly 
their original height. 

The idea of a massive and lofty stone lower having been pulled 
down as above expressed, is quite ludicrous, especially as the party 
to whom the act has always been (and no doubt justly) attributed' 
had a powerful battery at their command, by which they could, 
without any laborious exertion accomplish their mischievous purpose. 

Why this church was so much injured does not appear, but it 
requires no great stretch of fancy to imagine Fairfax’s soldiery, in 
the sheer wantonness of power, and without any particular motive, 
levelling their artillery at the tower, merely because it happened 
to stand a conspicuous mark within range of their shot. 


462 


but in all probability Litehdon suffered, (see p. 43,) as 
indeed might have been expected from its situation. 
The door of an apartment forming the left wing of the 
Almshouse in this street, exhibits numerous shot holes, 
and up to a very recent period musket balls were to be 
seen in many of them. 

h The amount here stated to have been expended 
was a large one for the inhabitants to have raised 
in two years, but there is good reasbn to believe that 
the whole sum of which the town became minus from 
the commencement to the close of the Civil War, was 
nearly double what is here specified. In a fragment of 
a copy of a petition (from which has been torn, unfor¬ 
tunately, a portion comprising a part of each line of the 
document) thirty thousand pounds is stated as having 
been raised by the inhabitants of Barnstaple on behalf 
of the Parliament. Whatever may have been the actual 
expenditure during this lamentable and unnatural war¬ 
fare, the whole is doubtless like the “ money lent the 
“ Lord Marshall to be repaid in twenty days, yet 
“ unsatisfied.” 

The Parliament having gained their ends, paid but 
little attention to the claims of their old and staunch 
friends the Barumites, who appear to have been left to 
“ repent at leisure.” 

“ 3650. Whereas there have been great sums of 
" money disbursed and lent for theservice of the Parlia- 

ment,by the inhabitants ofthis town of Barnstaple, of 
“ which, hitherto, noe restitution hath been made, 
“ nor auy satisfaction given for the same; it is there- 
€€ fore now ordered by all whose names are here 


463 


“ underwritten; that Mr. John Tucker be employed 
“ to sollicit the Parliament and State, for the obtain- 


“ meat of some restitution and satisfaction to be made 
“ of such monies as they have lent and disbursed for 
“ the service of the Parliament, which the said John 
“ Tucker undertaketh to do at his own charges ; for 
“ which it is agreed, that he shall have a third part of 
ff whatever he shall recover. 


“ Hugh Horsham, Maior 
" Nicholas Cooke > 

“ Adam Lugge $ Aldermen 

“ William Palmer 
“ Justinn Westcomb 
“ Charles Peard 
“ John Downe 
“ William Wood 
“ John Horwood 


« William Notteil 
“ Henry Messon 
** Walter Tucker 
“ Richard Medford 
“ Thomas Dennis 
“ James Rosyer 
“ Joseph Bonifant 
“ Joseph Delbridge.” 


Eight more yeais passed away in fruitless efforts to 
obtain “ restitution that it was now almost a des¬ 
perate case may be inferred from the rate of premium 
offered to two fresh adventurers on what they might 
recover. 

%* cr 1658, 7 A ugk Ordered by the Maior, 
“ Aldermen* and Common Councellmen, of this town, 
« r &c. that whereas Cob George Walters and Capta 
<f William Walters, are desired and authorized, in 
“ behalf of this Town and Borough, to endeavour the 
“ recovery of satisfaction and reparation for such 
“ Disbursements as this Townie hath been at for the 
ff use and service of the Parliament of this common 
“ weal in the late wars ; in liewe and consideration of 
lr the Paines which they shall bee at, and that the 


464 


ff whole Charge of the said prosecution shall be born 
“ by the said Coll Walters and the said Capt'i Walters, 
“ we to enjoy the one fourth or quarter part of what 
“ shall be so recovered ; and it is desired for the 
“ effectual prosecution of the same, that Mr. Richard 
46 Medford and Thomas Cox will beetake upon them 
t( the care of holding correspondence with the said 
“ Captn and Col Walters, advising the Maior and 
<f Aldermen for the time being with what they shall 
“ act, write, or doe in the same. The charge of 
‘ f Postage, &e. to be paid by the Receiver, and a 
“ Piece of Plate of the value of 5/. to be conferred on 
“ the said Mr. Medford and Thomas Cox, for their 
<f Paines, upon the good success of this affair. 


Aldermen 


“ Peter Doctor, Maior 
“ Roger Jeffery > 

“ John Downe ) 

“ Adam Lugge 
“ Richard Harris 
“ John Horwood 
“ Richard Medford 
“ Joseph Ronnivant 


“ J. Delbridge 
“ Richard Hooper 
“ Thomas Cox 
“ Jno. Palmer 
“ Bartholomew Bisse 
“ John Greade 
“ James Cornish 
“ Laurance Gay.” 


The following curious epistle, which is without date, 
was sent from Bideford, some time subsequent to the 
conclusion of the war ; it serves at least to shew the 
deference in which the authorities here were held by 
those of Bideford. 

“ Mr. Maior and you Gent» 

“ We have thought it good to acquaint 
“ you hereby, that one Francis Achard, a Frenchman, 
“ (who hath lately presented a petition to his Majesty 
“ at Oxford, and thereupon oblained commission for 


465 


“ the seizing of any Merchants goods at this harbour 
“ in France* to 1008 value) is sent over from 
44 Swanzev, by Mr. Walter Thomas, and is now here 
44 in Town ; he hath shewn himself a notorious fellow 
44 in the business. Pray afford us your advise what 
44 you conceive best to be done with him, and werther 
44 we shall send him to you at Barum, or you be 
44 pleased to meet here and confer with us touching 
44 him ; he affirms that when he got his commission at 
44 Oxford, your townsmen were there solliciting for 
44 their pardon, to whom he shewed his commission, 
44 and he saith that they approved of his proceedings. 
44 Other things of him we refer till we heare your 
44 answer, which we desire you to dispatch to us. 
44 And even thus we bid you heartily farewell, and rest 
44 Your loving friends, 

44 John Heard, Maior 
44 Tho s Wadland 
44 John Strange.” 

An instance of individual suffering in an inhabitant 
of this town, arising out of circumstances connected 
with the Civil War, must not pass unnoticed ;—the 
case of the Rev. Martin Blake, Vicar of the Parish. 
Of the persecutions this worthy divine was the subject 
of, a long account is given in 44 Walker’s Sufferings of 
the Clergy,” published in 1714. Making due allow¬ 
ance for the spirit in which that work was written, and 
the strong bias of the author towards the royal party, 
there cannot be a doubt that Mr. Blake w 7 as treated 


* This is obscure, but it is correctly transcribed from my copy. 


466 


with great cruelty. His only crime (if a crime it can 
be called) appears to have been a firm and, no doubt, 
conscientious attachment to the interests of his Sove¬ 
reign, Charles the First. “ His sufferings,” says Wal¬ 
ker, “ were chiefly occasioned by his writing a letter 
■ ( to the Mayor and Aldermen of his native town, 
“ (Plymouth,) when it w'as besieged; exhorting them 
f ‘ to return to their duty, and reconcile themselves to 
“ his Majesty ; offering withal his own service, as tar 
“ as he was capable, for that end. To which it must 
“ be added, (if any credit can be given to one of the 
“ petitions which was presented against him,) that he 
“ had been instrumental in getting the town of Barn- 
“ staple delivered up to his Majesty, which they called 
“ betraying it to the King.” 

Every possible attempt, if Walker’s narrative may 
be relied on, was made to bring Mr. Blake to absolute 
ruin. He was repeatedly summoned to answer charges 
which appear only to have originated in the malice 
of his enemies, and which his accusers were unable to 
substantiate:—three times illegally (as it must be judged) 
dispossessed of his living ;—on one occasion “seized-by 
“ a party of horse and hurried prisoner to Exeter, in 
“■ a very bitter stormy winter’s day, tho’ he was then 
“ old, and the journey at least 40 miles —twice was 
his residence, “ even that very vicarage house which 
“ he had at a great charge built new from the ground” 
broken into “ by a party of horse.” These and other 
indignities, all which are fully detailed by the author 
alluded to, was the upright and honest vicar subjected 
to for loyalty’s sake. 


467 


After the restoration, Mr, Blake was finally rein¬ 
stated in his cure, and continued in peaceable possess¬ 
ion of it for many years, his enemies no longer 
“ daring to make him afraid.” He died in a good 
old age,* in 1673, having been interred, as appears by 
the parish register, Sept. 13, in that year. 

Fhe good vicar was allowed, during the heat of the 
persecution against him, to fix a monument in the 
most conspicuous part of the church, which, although 
it was erected to the memory of his children, contains 
pointed allusions to his own sufferings. His having 
accomplished this is a proof that he had powerful 
friends ; it is therefore the more extraordinary that the 
parish clerk should have been the brief and only 
chronicler of his decease. Although it was foreign to 
my intention to notice any sepulchral design, or give 
any inscription at length, yet the monument alluded 
to has so close a reference to Mr. Blake’s case, 
and besides shews his character in such a favorable 
light, both as a man and a Christian, that I am induced 
in this particular instance to depart from the plan I 
had laid down, by describing the devices, and trans¬ 
cribing the different inscriptions on it. It is affixed to 
the wall on the south side of the Communion Table, 
In the centre is the figure of a man robed, his head 
reclining on his right hand, the elbow resting on 
human scull; the left hand grasping a bible. 

* In evidence of this 1 transcribe the following entry from the 
registry of burials. “ ]62‘2, Optr.—Mary, daughter of Mr. Martya 
“ Blake, Minister, buried 17th day.” He was not of course Vicar 
at this time, but lie was certainly in orders. 

3 M 


46S 


Above, to the right of the figure, the representation 
of a hand casting corn into the ground, and ot wheat 
ears in a growing state.— Cum Fcenore et Flore red - 
dit. — It returns it with flower and increase. 

To the left, the face of an angel with four stars.— 
Splendebunt ut stellce , eryniq: sicut angeli .—They 
shall shine like the stars, and be as the angels. 

In the centre to the right, the figures of two children 
bearing palm branches; names, William Blake, Mary 
Blake.— Sequuntur agnum .—They follow the Lamb. 

To the left, figures of two children bearing palm 
branches ; names Elizabeth Blake, Agness Blake.— 
Non esurient amplius , neq sitient. —They shall 
neither hunger nor thirst any more. 

Below to the right, a hand cutting off a flower which 
is represented as growing. — Ut jlos simul ac egressus 
est succiditur .—As a flower is cut down as soon as it 
is sprung up. 

To the left, a hand throwing bubbles into the air.— 
Dies Hominis palmares et homo bulla .—The days 
of man are but a span, and man is like a bubble. 

Under the above, on a tablet, “ To the Honour and 
“ Glorie of God, in the pretious memorie of my deare 
“ Sonne Nicholas Blake, who fell asleep in Christ, 
“ Febr. xij An: Do: MDexxxiiij. iEtatissuae ixo 
“ For yeares with many Graces (more by far 
“ Then to such tender age accustomed are) 

“ God lent thee here. But may it be a child 
“ Of such sweet hopes, so verhious & so mild, 

“ Should pass so soon away, and not partake 
“ That Promise of long Life, wch God did make? 

“ Nay, Nay, that Promise holds, for although here 


469 


“ Thy Pilgrimage was short, thy joys elsewhere 
Doe never die, & thy whole man shall stand 
“ Crowned ere long with Life i’ tb’ promised Land, 

“ Wch Life while God for thee vouchaves to keep 
“ Here he was pleased to lay thy Corps asleep. 

Requiesce mifilil requiesce in pace ! cupit etiam 
dissolvi et tecum esse cum Christo pater tuus virin - 
que coarctacus. Martinis Blake , S. T. B. Hvjvsq, 
ecclesice pastor olim indignus , tempore opportuno 
etiam reverfurus .—Rest ray son! rest in peace! 
that he too was released, and was with you in Christ, 
being straitened on every side, is the wish of your 
father, Martin Blake, S. T. B. formerly the unworthy 
minister of this Church of Barnstaple, to which at a 
fitting season he may again return. 

Below the tablet, a man in canonicals, apparently 
earnest in exhortation. 

On his right is, a glory and angels.— Quantum ad 
hoc mihi lacrum est mori. —For this how much 
better is it for me to die. 

And to the left, an empty pulpit with a crowd of 
persons pressing round it.— Quantum ad hos perma- 
nere in came magis ?iecessarium. —For the sake of 
these how' much more necessary that I should remain 
in the flesh. 

Tradition adds to the other insults offered to Mr. 
Blake, that he was draggedfrom his pulpit during 
divine service. I have sought diligently for evidence 
on this point, but find not the slightest. Is it likely 
that had such an occurrence taken place, it w'ould not 
have come to the knowledge of Dr. Walker, and been 
recorded in his work ? 


470 


CHAPTER V. 

Present State of the Town—Population—Poor s Rate — 
Archdeaconry , Deanery , and Vicarage—Church — Inde¬ 
pendent or Congregational Dissenters—Methodists — 
Baptists—Quakers—Sunday Schools—Grammar School — 
Appendix . 


PRESENT STATE OF THE TOWN.* ** 

Barnstaple stands without a rival to her claim to be 
considered the Metropolis of North Devon. Thus it 

* I am bound to make a few remarks (which come very properly 
under this head) on the incorrect statements put forth in modern 
topographical works. 

The following extracts are from “ Cooke’s Topographical and 
Statistical Description of the County of Devon,” 3rd edition, pub¬ 
lished four or five years since, which I have selected as containing 
more errors than other similar works I have met with, and because, 
being a small volume, its circulation is perhaps greater. 

** Fishing nets at Barnstaple are wove in a loom.”—p. 60. 

** The Market [at Hartland] is on Saturday, and is much fre- 
“ queuted by the fishermen of Barnstaple, Bideford, and the adja- 
“ cent towns, who come in their boats.”—p. 119. 

There is no market held at Hartland ; the nearest landing-place 
is a mile and half distant, and from thence to Barnstaple a hazardous 
voyage for boats, of seven or eight leagues. 




471 


was in former times, and thus it is now, whether we 
look at the extent of her population, her commerce, or 
her wealth. As a residence, the town is at once 
healthful, pleasant, and commodious; lying on the 
margin of a considerable river, and but a few miles 
from the Bristol Channel, the inhabitants enjoy the 
invigorating effects of the sea breeze ; whilst the influx 
and reflux of the ever-changing tides, the arrival and 

“ The corporation at present consists of a mayor, two bailiffs, 
11 two aldermen, twenty-two common councilmen, and other 
“ officers.”—p. 128.- This was never the case at any period. 

“ Barnstaple sends two representatives to Parliament, the 
“ number of voters being about 260.”—p. 128.—Less than half 
the actual amount. 

" Baize, silk stockings, and waistcoat manufactories , still give 
“ life to the place.”— Ibid.— Indeed ! 

“ The river Taw is of considerable breadth here, but very shal- 
“ low, owing to the great and continual increase of sand, which, it 
** is greatly to be feared, will in time entirely choak the port.”— 
Ibid. 

An earthquake may arrest the Taw in its course, and open for it 
another channel to the sea, or form for it a passage to some 
subterranean gulph ; then, without doubt, would the port be choaked 
by sand, which the tide must deposit; but such occurrences are 
not “ greatly to be feared ;” and whilst nature is permitted to hold 
on her wonted course, there is no fear but that there will always be 
as great a depth of water here as there has ever been. 

These are but a portion of the palpable errors to be found in the 
above-mentioned volume relative to one town.—What of the rest ? 

Similar inaccuracies, although not to so great an extent, are to 
be met with in numerous topographical works, all professing to be 
correct; they certainly furnish correct copies, in many cases literal 
ones, of the mis-statements foisted on the public in preceding 
publications. 


472 


departure of shipping, and the consequent commercial 
activity which prevails, afford a constant and pleasing 
variety of scene. The regular but gradual ascent of 
the different streets from the water, gives the important 
advantage of excellent drainage, so needful to the 
health and comfort of the inhabitants, without, what is 
so much felt in the neighbouring towns, the inconve¬ 
nience of a steep acclivity. 

The principal improvements effected in the town 
had their rise in an act of parliament, usually termed 
“ The Improvement Act,” which, after a lengthened 
and obstinate struggle between the Corporation and 
the Parishioners, after being petitioned for and also 
opposed hy petition, was passed 10th June, 1811. It 
is said to have pleased neither party ; but be that as it 
may, much good has resulted from it, although princi¬ 
pally of a negative kind. 

Who can think of the multitude of aerial waterspouts 
pouring their torrents from the house-tops, during a 
fall of rain, several feet into the street, right and left, 
the centre being at the same time a flooded kennel ! 
Those unsightly nuisances, the huge overhanging 
penthouse, and its ground-floor neighbour, the 
“ bulk,” projecting from almost every house; both 
worse than useless, and withal so old that they might 
almost plead a prescriptive right to the places they 
occupied. The butchers and their stalls, ranged on 
each side the principal street of the town, flanked by 
massive forms or chopping blocks, over which, raaugre 
the flesh monger’s tallow candle, the unwary passenger 
has been seen to tumble headlong ! The odour exhaled 


473 


from the contents of a dung-pit or cloaca lying on the 
footways, and carted through the streets at all hours of 
the day ! Who can look back on the existence of these, 
and a long list of other delectable things, and not speak 
well of the instrument which has swept them all off, 
and opened the way for more substantial and visible 
improvement. Since this act came into operation, a 
spirit of liberality and emulation has evinced itself 
amongst the inhabitants, who have vied with each 
other in removing low antiquated fronts and illcon- 
trived dwellings, and replacing them by tasteful and 
commodious structures. I may instance in proof of 
this, that out of sixty-eight houses, forming a portion 
of High Street, and running in continuous lines on 
each side, twenty-four have been wholly rebuilt, and 
twenty-five, either by having been refronted or the old 
fronts modernized, have become so altered in appear¬ 
ance, as in most instances to have the effect of new 
houses. But although the improvements have been 
greatest in High Street, from its being the principal 
mart and thoroughfare, they are visibly great in every 
part of the town, even in the backmost districts of it. 

A considerable number of houses of a superior des¬ 
cription have been erected of late, some of them such 
as Barum’s richest sons who lived a century or two ago 
would have designated palaces. Modern dwellings of a 
lesser order are fast multiplying, and indeed of every 
grade down to the cottage of the artisan and labourer, of 
which class from two to three hundred have been built 
within the last fifteen years, and in a stile uniting neat¬ 
ness and convenience such as the poor man of the last 


474 


generation scarcely ever enjoyed. A large proportion 
of those were erected as a consequence of the establish¬ 
ment of lace manufactories in the vicinity. To that 
at Stony Bridge in particular, the several streets laid 
down in the plan of the town, between Vicarage Lawn, 
and tbe Factory, owe their origin entirely.* Mention 
of Ebberly Place must not be omitted. This neat and 
beautifully-situated row of houses, eight in number,was 
formed (it is believed at a much greater expense to the 
owner, than if the whole had been built anew) out of 
a building previously used as a Horse Barrack. 

The property then bounded and inclosed by the 
same walk as at present, was purchased from govern¬ 
ment in 1817 by Henry Hole, Esq. of Ebberly House, 
near Torrington, who converted it to its present pur¬ 
pose. He has recently sold it. 

From a church rate (drawn on a parchment roll) 
which has fortunately escaped the general wreck which 
our parish documents have for the most part suffered .f 

* Only a single house was to be found in this district previous 
to 1826, more than 120 are now tenanted there. For the erection 
of these houses, half an acre of land was purchased at seven hun¬ 
dred pounds, and another at one thousand pounds per acre ; two 
acres of the same property had not long before been sold for £360, 
An adjoining field measuring a borough acre, (about three quarters of 
a statute acre,) sold for the same purpose at five hundred pounds. 

t This is the oldest official document (with the exception of the 
registers, and a •• a survey of scats”) to be found in the Parish 
depository. The dates of the earliest entries are as follow:— 
Orders of Vestry, October 5, 1729—Churchwarden's accounts, 
June 1734—Overseer’s accounts, October 23, 1747. Extracts 
from these, will form Appendix [A.] to this chapter. 


475 


I am enabled to furnish an accurate statement of the 
increase of houses during the last 120 years.* I find 
by this record, that in 1709, Barnstaple contained but 
five hundred and seventy-six houses; by the population 
returns in 1821, I discover the number at that time to 
have been seven hundred and ninety-nine ; and the 
parish rate book for 1830 exhibits a list of upwards of 
one thousand houses, being an addition of more than 
four hundred and twenty since the year 1709. 

The desirable objects of lighting and newly paving 
the streets, have been partially accomplished within the 
last four years, under the sanction of the improvement 
act. All the principal streets, and a considerable por¬ 
tion of the outskirts of the town, were lit by oil lamps 
in 1826, at an expence somewhat exceeding <£150; of 
which more than <£138 was raised by subscription. 
The lamps are not used during the summer months. 
The carriage way in High Street, which, in common 
with others, used to have a considerable and in some 
parts really a dangerous slope from the houses on each 
side to the centre, was raised in the middle through¬ 
out, newly pitched, and excellent foot paths of flag 
stones laid down in 1827 at the cost of £640, of which 
£200 was subscribed by the owners and occupiers of 
houses in that particular street, the Commissioners 
agreeing to appropriate the whole produce of the rate 
on property in High Street, towards the payment of 

* Some particulars selected from this rate, with a comparison of 
the value of property here in 1709 and 1830, will be found in 
Appendix [B.] 

3 N 


476 


the remaining sum, until it should be liquidated. The 
inhabitants of Cross Street and Joy Street, soon 
followed in succession, and on the same plan. A 
similar improvement, but with footpaths paved in the 
ordinary way, had been previously effected in Bear 
Street, at the joint expense of Henrv Hole, Esq. 
and the parish of Barnstaple. 

Much more would have been effected under the 
immediate influence of the Improvement Act, than has 
been yet accomplished, but for the trifling rate which 
the Commissioners are empowered to levy on the 
property in the parish, which is limited to “ six pence 
“ in the pound according to the annual value, on all 

houses, wharfs, buildings, outhouses, yards, and 
“ gardens;” and “ four pence in the pound according 
“ to the annual value, upon the rectorial and vicarial 
“ tythes of the parish, the waterworks, the tolls, dues, 
“ &c. belonging and payable to the mayor, aldermen, 

and burgesses, together with all arable, meadow, 
“ and pasture lands, situate within the borough and 
“ parish.” The gross produce of this rate is <£480 
annually.* The act restricts the sum to be borrowed 
for general purposes to six hundred pounds , (which 
has been long since raised,) but permits the corporation 
to take upon the credit of the town dues, &c. to the 
amount of six thousand pounds, to be laid out in 
“ altering, removing, building, and otherwise improv- 
rf ing the markets or market houses.” 

* In March, 1825, the draught of a new rate was submitted to 
the Commissioners, the adoption of which was, after much dis¬ 
cussion, rejected by a majority of one. 


477 


POPULATION. 

What the number of inhabitants was in former times 
as compared with the present, is a proposition not to 
be easily solved. 

According to a parish census in 1803, and official 
returns made to Parliament in 1811 and 1821, Barn¬ 
staple contained in 

1803.—Males 1472 Females 2115 Total 3587 
1811— „ 16*33 „ 2386 „ 4019 

1821.— „ 2217 „ 2862 „ 5079 

Being an increase in the first eight years of 432, 
and in the next ten years of 1,060, making an addition 
of 1,492 in eighteen years. It will, perhaps, be desira¬ 
ble to note some further particulars of the latest return. 

Of the number above stated, there were of the 
different ages as follow;— 


Under 5—Males 367 

Females 341 

Total 

708 

5 to 10— 

it 

282 

a 

280 

a 

562 

10 to 15— 

if 

CO 

CO 

if 

212 

a 

445 

15 to 20- 

a 

218 

if 

294 

tt 

512 

20 to 30— 

if 

294 

ft 

582 

tt 

876 

30 to 40— 

V 

279 

ft 

350 

a 

629 

40 to 50— 

a 

240 

ft 

295 

t » 

535 

50 to 60— 

a 

137 

ft 

200 

it 

337 

60 to 70— 

9i 

106 

it 

163 

tt 

269 

70 to SO¬ 

a 

44 

a 

106 

a 

150 

SO to 90— 

if 

15 

ft 

35 

it 

50 

90 to 100- 

ff 

2 

it 

4 

ft 

6 





Total 

5079 



478 


These formed 1,028 families, of whom there were 


Chiefly employed in Agriculture .... 21 

.Trade.856 

independent.105 

Nondescript .56 


Total .... 1038* 

The earliest mention I find made of the extent of 
the population of Barnstaple, is with reference to a 
census taken in the reign of Edward VI, at which 
period the Town is said to have contained 46 2,000 
et Houselying people,” understood to apply to “ per- 
“ sons of an age to receive the sacrament, or about 
“ sixteen years old and upwards.” 

Supposing this to be correct, (which, however, must 
be considered as very doubtful,) and the proportion 
of persons above and below sixteen to have been the 
same as at present, the whole population cannot be 
taken at less than 3,500, whilst in 1803 it was but 
3,587f an increase of only 87 in two centuries and a 
half. By official documents it is shewn that the 
increase of population in the County of Devon, in 

* 1 am conscious of this discrepancy of numbers, but am not charge¬ 
able with the error ; it is given in an official (printed) copy of the 
census, and most probably in that sent to the House of Commons. 

f I am aware that it has been stated in a periodical work, that 
“ in the year 1801, the total number of inhabitants returned under 
«« the Population Act, was 3,748, of which number 1495 were 
“ males, and 2,253 females but having no means of ascertaining 
the correctness of this statement, I have chosen rather to adopt the 
above, which is extracted from a census now in the parish chest. 







31SW 


nail* xtok 


oM 
h) t 


lo td£ 
si oi 
do id* r , 
OOO t £ 


~13(j 

iuodf 


Ik-3 '- 

>C'UC- i'L • *17 

m jn 

10 4 f*{jr - 


ft* >q : 


iaimi 
no! 
sdi’ 
©d i< 
tod. 

s btfi 

edt 




tc 


9dj v 
.gaom 
ifirii 
what 


l«MT9Wq£ 

€ UDi?3 

?]fiW 

fcfh 




Si B-' 


.-V, 

h-‘ J ' 






RETURN from the Parish of Barnstaple, i n the County of Devon, of the amount of the POORS’ RATE in each year, from the year ending at Easter, 1800, j 
to Easter, 1817, distinguishing under the different heads to which they respectively belong, all such County and other charges, as are not strictly applicable 
to the relief and maintenance of the Poor ; together with the amount of all Law Expenses, incurred by the different Parishes in each year as far as the same 
can be made out. 


For what year. 

\ 

Amount of 
Poors' Rate 
in each year. 

Amount of 1 
law expense 1 
incurred by 
the different 
Parishes in 
each year as 
far as the 
same can be 1 
made oat, <$■ 
spcciftying {f 
possible the 
expense in- ! 
curved in 
each year by j 
the removal 1 
of Paupers. 

County and other charges, not strictly applicable to the relief and maintenance of the Poor, 

distinguished under separate heads. 

1 

Nett amount 
of money paid 
for the support 
and relief of 
the poor. 

Payments to 
the wives $ 
families of 
militia men, 
army of 
reserve, yeo. 
manry on 
duty, local 
militia , and 
any bounties 
paid for sub¬ 
stitutes. 

Relief given 
to persons 
travelling 
with passes, 
<Sf the expense 
of convey¬ 
ing them. 

Fines paid 
for road in¬ 
dictments and 
law charges 
occasioned 
thereby. 

Any charges 
for highway 
rate, if paid 
out of the 
poors' rate, or 
separately 
kept. 

Church rate 

and 

Constables' 

rate. 

[No donsta- 
bliS' rate in 

Barn 

Amount of 
all charges 
on account 
of any fees 
paid, or of 
any salaries 

to overseers. 

I 

Amount of 
; any other 
expenses not 
! coming un¬ 
der any of 
the above 

heads. 


1. 

s. 

d. 

1. s. 

d. 

1. s. 

d. 

1. 

5 . d. 

1. s. d. 

1. s. d. 

1. 

s. 

d. 

1. s. 

d. 

1. s. 

d. 

1. s. 

d. 

To Easter, 1801 

2313 

19 

n 

31 14 

8 

33 5 

10 

1 

16 8 



174 

9 

4 

13 2 

111 

16 8 

2 

1950 0 

2i 

To Easter, 1802 

2741 

16 

33 

37 3 

8 

26 12 

6 

5 

11 6 



207 

11 

M 

t 

51 14 

6 * 

17 0 

6 

2472 15 

4* 

To Easter, 1803 

4563 

5 

9 

21 4 

3 

32 11 

7 

4 

17 0 



205 

8 

8« 

36 15 

0 

8 14 

6 

1304 17 

2k 

To Easter, 1804 

1778 

14 

0 

15 16 

6 

111 4 

10 

3 

9 0 



346 

3 

23 

24 10 

4 

5 0 

0 

1528 4 

3 

To Easter, 1805 

1800 

5 

7 

1 22 0 

4 

122 4 

0 

1 

18 10 



230 

19 

4 

18 17 

8* 

12 14 

2 

1517 14 

7k 

To Easter, 1806 

1940 

10 

6* 

14 4 

8 

155 5 

0 

11 

17 10 



218 

9 

2i 

24 12 

1 

6 0 

0 

1656 4 

l 

To Easter, 1807 

1749 

16 

8 

6 11 

0 

38 5 

6 

6 

15 0 



345 

6 

4 

26 4 

•4 

9 4 

0 

1611 17 

4 

i To Easter, 1808 

1758 

0 

53 

14 5 

8 

83 8 

3 

9 

14 0 



148 

8 

8 

15 0 

l 

6 0 

0 

1528 2 

8 

To Easter, 1809 

1674 

8 

0 

41 10 

0 

55 9 

4 

5 

6 9 


87 4 0 

171 

3 

5! 

14 11 

7 

8 8 

6 

1475 10 

2k 

To Easter, 1810 

1725 

0 

1 

26 5 

7 

66 11 

0 

3 

13 9 


255 2 2 

218 

2 

5 

16 4 

8 

7 11 

0 

1741 5 

5k 

To Easter, 1811 

2028 

5 

9 

29 2 

2 

42 13 

11 

11 

16 0 


177 12 7 

220 

0 

6 

14 9 

10 

6 19 

0 

1700 3 

6 

To Easter, 1812 

2006 

16 

8 

40 10 

3 

37 17 

8 

13 

14 6 


141 0 4| 

309 

5 

4 

13 19 

0 

10 8 

0 

1550 1 

5k 

To Easter, 1813 

2369 

5 

10 

73 4 

4 

138 12 

10 

5 

0 6 


92 6 4 

284 

11 

2 

35 1 

8 

8 16 

0 

1880 19 

5 

1 To Easter, 1814 

2229 

6 

8 

31 10 

7 

72 13 

11 

6 

18 10 


164 10 4 

287 

15 

6 

34 12 

1 

23 1 

0 

1633 12 

0 

To Easter, 1815 

1724 

7 

Ik 

33 9 

0 

13 2 

8 

6 

14 0 


130 9 14 

00 

CNJ 

10 

9 

10 1 

0 

9 9 

0 

1566 6 

5k 

To Easter, 1816 

203) 

15 

3 

35 10 

2 

83 9 

3 

4 

7 6 


108 0 4 

305 

4 

2 

9 16 

0 ' 

13 3 

5 

1691 18 

8k 

To Easter, 1817 

2175 

12 

4 

45 2 

14 

0 0 

0 

10 

14 11 

103 3 6 

187 2 8£ 

285 

11 

8 

18 15 

0 

12 17 

4 

1760 4 

3k 











































































479 


the 18th century, was upwards of 106,000.* !f 
Barnstaple advanced in similar proportion during this 
period, as was evidently the case from the increase in 
the number of houses, (see page 475) how greatly 
must she have retrograded during the preceding 150 
years, ,if the correctness of the earliest return referred 
to be admitted. A word or two on the statement made 
in an extract from a brief at page 81, relative to the 
population in 1710; to prove its incorrectness it is 
only necessary to look at the number of houses which 
the town contained only a year previous. The inha¬ 
bitants could have scarcely been more than half as 
many as they were then stated to be. 

poor’s rate. 

Of the weight of this branch of taxation, the inha¬ 
bitants of Barnstaple have no great reason to complain, 
seeing it is light in comparison with what is contributed 
for the same purposes by the greater part of the 
kingdom. 

Annexed is a copy of an official return of the Poor’s 
Ratef &c. made to the House of Commons in 1817. 

From a “ List of Poor receiving parochial relief,” 

* The population of Devon was, in 1700, 248,200; 1750, 
272,200; 1801, 354,400; 1811, 396,100; 1821, 447,900. 

t A similar return, but referring more particularly to what is 
expended in relief of the poor, is, in compliance with an Act of 
Parliament, made annually; but on making application to the 
assistant overseer for the particulars of the last return, I was 
informed that no copies were preserved ! 


480 


dated and published Aug. 15, 1820, i have made 
the following extracts and calculations, which will 
serve to shew that the parish bounty was not ill- 
bestowed. The age which a large proportion of these 
unfortunate persons attained, also speaks well for the 
longevity of the inhabitants of the town. No 
document of the kind has been published since. 

“ Number of poor in the Work-house, 34.—Paid 
“ out, 208. 

£ s. d. 

“ Average weekly pay for eighteen weeks 

“ from 6 th April to 3rd August ... 34 2 85 * 

“ Received for work done by the poor in 

“ the workhouse, for the above period . 3 8 10 \ 

Of the 208 persons or families mentioned, 1 find 
there were of the ages of 


From 50 to 55. 6 

„ 55 to CO. 8 

„ 60 to 65.17 

„ 65 to 70.21 

„ 70 to 75.25 

„ 75 to 80. 9 

„ SO to 85.13 

„ 85 to 90 . ..4 

„ 90 to 95.3 

“ Aged 99 .. 15 


Total .... 121 

* This amount must include all that was expended on the poor, 
as the sums mentioned as paid to the different individuals named, 
make up but £21 Is. 5 d. 













481 


Of the remaining cases described in the list, it may 
be truly said that the blind, the halt, and the lame, the 
paralytic, the bedridden, and the insane, help to 
“ make up the sad account.” 

£ s. d. 

The Amount of Rate collected for 1829-80 

was something above. 2018 0 0 

Weekly sum paid to 146 persons or families 

receiving constant relief. 13 14 10 

Ditto, to 46 ditto, receiving occasional relief 3 6 0 

Average weekly expenditure in Workhouse 

(number of inmates, 34) ..... 4 10 0 

Lowest weekly sum paid to any individual 

or family .. 010 

Highest ditto. 0 7 6 


The increase of paupers from 1720 to 1735, appears 
to have been unaccountably great ; but from the last 
mentioned period to the present, very trifling, as will 
be seen below. 

£ s. d. 


'1720—Receivers of weekly pay 65 

1727.— 

>> 

113 

1728.— 

ft 

147 

1729.- 

ji 

125 

1730.- 

tt 

135 

1731.- 

a 

124 

1732.- 

it 

147 

1735.— 

tt 

165 

1831.— January 

a 

192 


Sum paid 4 0 0 

„ 5 18 0 

„ 7 10 

„ 6 12 6 

„ 6 7 6 

„ 6 0 6 


11 

it 


7 9 9 
7 10 10 
17 0 10 


* Copied from a list of the parish poor, with the sums paid to 
each, in the hands of a private individual. It is an original docu- 





482 


ARCHDEACONRY, DEANERY, AND VICARAGE. 

The Archdeaconry of Barnstaple has under its 
jurisdiction six Deaneries, which contain in all one 
hundred and thirty-one parishes.* 

In the “ Liber Regis,” under the head of “ Dignities 
“ in the gift of the Lord Bishop of Exeter,” we find 
“ Archdeaconry of Barnstaple ; has the impropriation 
“ of Countisbury and Linton.” The same work gives 
the value of the Archdeaconry, in the reign of Henry 
VIII. as follows:—“ King’s Books, £49. Yearly 
“ Tenths, £4 18s.”t—The subjoined list of Arch¬ 
deacons, w ith the exception of the two last, is from 
“ Oliver’s History of Exeter.” 

ment, and (as I fully believe) an. authentic one. The particulars 
of the remaining years are taken from the parish books. 

* According to Polwhele, who gives the numbers belonging to 
the different Deaneries as follow: -Barnstaple, 18, Southmolton 29, 
Torrington, 20, Chumleigh, 15, Hartland, 19, and Shinvell, 30. 
Whether the gross amount be correct or not, I will not presume 
to say, but as it respects two of the Deaneries, the enumeration 
is certainly incorrect. Barnstaple, (see page 485,) contains but 
14 parishes, and Shirvvcll only 29; of the others I have not at 
present the means of procuring accurate information. 

t “ Liber Regis/’ p. 203.—I had taken a copy in full of the 
taxation of this dignity, from “ Taxatio Ecclesiastica Angliae et 
“ Walliae, Auctoritate, P. Nicholai IV. Circa a. d. 1291,” (Copy 
published by Commissioners of Public Records, in 1802,) but from 
the great length to which this work has extended beyond what was 
at first announced, I have omitted that, as well as some other 
documents, not of general interest. 


483 


Archdeacons of Barnstaple. 

Allured, (first I have met with).. 

Ralph, (said to have beeu in).1143 

William de Auco, witnessed a deed of Bishop 
Robert Warelivast, between 1155 and 1160 


Roger, witnessed Bishop Bartholomew’s grant to 
Lepers of Exon, and confirmation of Plympton 

Priory, by Bishop John.. 

Thomas, witnessed a deed 4 th of King John . 1203 

Ralph de Werewell, presented September 30th 1209 

John.. 

Ralph, witnessed a deed of Bishop Simon . 1219 

Isaac died February 8 . 1227 

'Walter de Pembroke, exchanged for the Arch¬ 
deaconry of Totness.. 

Henry de Bratton, collated . . . January 2l, 1263 

resigned for the Chancellorship 
Richard Blund succeeded .... May 25, 1264 
resigned for Totness 

Godfrey Giflfard, collated.Nov. 6 , 1265 

May 1267, made Bishop of Worcester 
John de Bradleigh, appointed immediately 
Thomas de Hertford, collated . . . January, 1271 
Philip of Exon, collated , . . . August 28, 1279 
Ralph Germeyn, succeeded, promoted to Pre- 

centorship.1308 

William de Melton, collated • . October 13, 1308 
John Wele, collated ...... March 30, 1309 

Bartholomew de sancto Laurentio, held it until 
his first Confirmation in the Deanery— 

William Fits-rogo, held it a short time . . —— 

Walter Giflfard, collated.Dec. 3, 1314 

when Richard de Morcester was appointed, who 
died in 1318 

3 o 














484 


Richard de Wideslade, collated . . Sept. 22, 1318 
but resigned the following year 
William la Zouche, collated . . . Dec. 10, 1329 
John de Nassington, was appointed . Dec. 17, 1330 

John de Derby,.February 23, 1355 

Henry Whitefield, . . • . . February 23, 1384 

Robert Rugge,.Sept. 8, 1399 

Richard Aldryngton, alias Colcomb, collated 

August 17, 1400 

John Orum, collated.November 1, 1400 

resigned in 1429 

John Waryn, collated.Aug. 2, 1429 

died in 1442 

Richard Helyer, succeeded on the . Aug. 3, 1442 
resigned 


Michael Tregoire, appointed . . . June 16 , 1445 

resigned 

Roger Keys, collated.January 25, 1450 

William Fulford, . . „ . . . . July 12, 1462 

at whose death 

John Stubbes was collated . . . October 27, 1475 

who resigned, and was succeeded by 

Owen Lord,.December 10, 1477 

he resigned also, and was followed by 
Robert Burforth, who was collated February 18, 1478 
and died October 8 , 1485 

William Elyot succeeded ; he was living in Feby. 1503 
John Vcysey came next, but resigned for the fre- 
centorship 

Richard Norton, followed.Aug. 3, 1508 

John Yong, resigned early in 1515, on a pension 
of £30 per annum. 

John Tyake, collated , , . . . August 12, 1515 
on whose death 










485 

Richard Tollett, succeeded . . . Jany. 19, 1518 

he died April 26, 1528 

Thomas Brerwood, collated . . . April 26, 1528 

died in 1544. 

.John Pollard, collated.June 16, 1544 

Henry Squire, Fellow of Magdalene College, 

collated .April 20, 1554 

resigned in 1582. 

Robert Lawe, M. A. instituted . . January 7, 1582-3 
on the presentation of Hugo Osbourne, Regis¬ 
trar of Barnstaple. He became Treasurer. 

William Toker, collated .... April 24, 1585 
on whose resignation 

William Helliar, was collated . November 27, 1605 
he died towards the close of 1645. 

James Smith, B. D. was installed, . August 31, 1660 

Joshua Tucker, he died in the summer of 1679 

William Reade, succeeded Aug. 29, in the same year 
on whose death 

Robert Burscough, was collated September 24, 1703 
and was succeeded at his death by 

Thomas Lynford, collated . . September 9, 1709 
at whose death 

Lewis Stephens, D. D. suceeded to the Archdea¬ 
conry. He was afterwards Archdeacon of 
Chester. 

John Grant, collated.October 28, 1731 

he died and was succeeded by 

William Hole, B. D. collated . . March l6, 1744-5 

died October 26, 179l, AStat 82. 

Roger Massey, M. A. collated . . . Nov. 3, 1791 
on whose death 

John Andrew, M. A. was collated . March 14, 1798 
died July 3, 1799, aged 49. 




480 


Peregrine Hbert, M. A. collated . July 25, 1799 
died June 28, 1805. 

Jonathan Parker Fisher, B.D. collated . Aug. lG, 1805 
and installed next day; he resigned for the 
Subdeanery. 

Thos. Johns, M. A. collated 3rd, installed 7th Nor. 1807 


died in 1826. 

John Bull, D.D.1826 

resigned in 1830. 

George Barnes, D. D.1830 


Of the Deanery, it need only be stated, that it com¬ 
prises the following parishes, over which presides the 
Dean Rural, who is chosen sometimes bienally, and 
at others trienally, at the Archdeacon’s Visitation:— 
Barnstaple, Pilton, Filleigh, Chittlehampton, High- 
bickington, Yarnscombe, Atherington, Tawstock, 
Newton Tracey, Huntshaw, Horwood, Westleigh, 
Instow, Fremington. 

Relative to the Vicarage, the following occurs in the 
work before quoted, under the head of “ Livings 
“ Discharged “ Barnstaple V. (St. Peter and 
tf St. Paul,) Episc. Prox. 2s.2d. Syn.&Cath. 2s. 5 d. 
“ Archidiac. Prox. 3s. 4c?. Val. per ann. in decim 
“ fcen. lan/ agn. oblat. decim. praedial. & al. emolu- 
ment in lib. pasch. existen. Pri.* 

“ Barnstaple Propr. 

“ Michael Hyde, 1710. 

“ Fiances and Sampson Mariaton, 1734. 


* JLiber Fegis, page 248. 




487 


“ Earl Gower, and Sir Matthew Lamb, Bart. 
Trustees of Edward Wortley, Esq. 1765. 

" Clear Yearly Value, 47 0 0 
“ King’s Books . . 15 8 9”* 

The next presentation after the above was made by 
Lady Bute, Relict of Lord Bute, 1809. 

The present patron is Lord Wharncliflfe.f 

The Vicarage House, which is stated by Walker to 
have been built anew by Mr. Blake, (the only evidence 
I have met with of his having done so,) has been con¬ 
siderably improved by the present Vicar. 

THE PARISH CHURCH, 

Or the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which, in 
days of old, stood nearly close to the eastern wall,J is 
now, from the extension of houses in that direction, 
situate just about the centre of the Town. There is 
nothing in the appearanceof the building to interest the 
traveller, or arrest the attention of the antiquarian; it is 
therefore the less to be regretted that it should be (as it 
is, with the Church-yard) almost wholly surrounded by 
houses.§ The recent removal of the old Guildhall has, 

* Liber Regis, page 248. 

t A curious tale is told of the manner in which this property 
was obtained by one of its former patrons, but it is not perhaps 
quite fit to appear in these pages. 

J The gate of the Church-yard leading to Boutport Street, is 
certainly very near, if not immediately on the site of the wall. 

§ It was two or three years since in contemplation to lay open 
the west end of the Church, by taking down the house on either 
side the Old Guildhall, then about to be removed. One of the houses 


488 


indeed, caused part of the building to be visible from 
the H igh-cross ; and although the partial view thus 
obtained of the Church is wholly uninteresting, an 
opportunity has afforded of making a decided improve¬ 
ment in the entrance to it from High-street, which has 
not been lost. This approach, the ancient lichway* 
to the Church, is now formed into a slated footpath,^ 
eighteen feet wide, across which is erected a highly 
ornamental gateway. This structure, which is wholly 
of iron, consists of a central pair of gates, eight feet two 
inches in width, and a single one each side, three feet 

being the property of the Corporation, an offer was made of its site 
to the Parishioners, provided they would purchase the other; 
several meetings look place on the subject, but whilst one portion 
of the inhabitants were anxious to forward the measure, it was 
warmly opposed by the other, and it being found that the Improve¬ 
ment Act neither gave authority, nor could furnish the means, for 
putting the plan in operation, it was necessarily abandoned. 

* Up to the time of the present vicar, it was a rule invariably 
observed for funerals to pass to the church or grave yard only by 
this entrance ; (most commonly, but corruptly, termed the liege - 
way ;*) hence, when a person died close to the eastern extremity of 
the church-yard, or even within its precincts, the corpse had to be 
carried nearly half a mile round to the western entrance. This 
unmeaning custom is no longer practised, unless when the friends 
of a deceased individual may desire it. 

t This commodious footway has also been carried to the full 
extent of the Church-yard paths, making in all upwards of 4,000 
feet of flagging. 

* Lich (lie. Sax.) A dead carcase, when lichwake, the time or act of 
watching by the dead; lichgate, the gate through which the dead are 
carried to the grave.—Todd’s Johnson’s Diet. 


489 


wide, supported by four hollow piers, seven feet six 
inches high, formed of four stanchions, the spaces being 
filled with open work; each pier is surmounted by a 
head composed of five distinct ornaments, so disposed 
as to give a beautiful effect to the whole: the style is 
gothic ; the piers are fixed into stones of large dimen¬ 
sions, sunk three feet below the surface of the pathway, 
and well secured underneath by iron stays. The gates, 
&c. were manufactured at the Barnstaple Iron Foundry; 
the weight of iron employed was upwards of three tons, 
and the cost 126/. Two lamp-irons are fixed over the 
side-gates, but it must be confessed that they rather 
detract from, than add to the effect intended to be pro¬ 
duced. It is a defect, however, which could not well have 
been avoided, without dispensing with lamps entirely. 
The design is highly creditable to the taste and skill of 
the architect, (a native of the town,) and the execution 
of the work is such as would hardly have been excelled 
at any manufactory in the kingdom. It is a display of 
art of which Barnstaple may be justly proud ; but it is 
much to be desired, that the edifice to which it introdu¬ 
ces the stranger, should be somewhat more in accordance 
with so tasteful an entrance. 

Of the interior of the Church, little more can be said 
than that it is spacious and commodious, being for the 
most part exceedingly well seated ; it is altogether void 
of architectural beauty. There is not known to exis 
either record or tradition, to direct us to the period of 
its first erection; but " the Church of Barnstaple * 
formed part of the grant made to the Priory of St. Mar; 


4$o 


Magdalene, at its foundation in the time of William 
the Conqueror (see p. 23).* It was certainly rebuilt 
about 1318. in which year it is recorded in the Diocesan 
Register, to have been consecrated by Bishop Sta- 
pledon ; it has evidently been more than once subse¬ 
quently enlarged, but at periods unknown. I have the 
best authority (that of Mr. Oliver) for stating, that no 
other mention is made of it in the Bishop’s Register. 
The different alterations the Church has undergone, 
may account, in some measure, for the irregularity of 
the structure ; but the principal deformity which pre¬ 
sents itself, the base of the steeple, appears from an 
archway formed through it, to have originally occupied 
its present situation. This unsightly mass of masonry, 
projects its whole dimensions of nearly seventeen feet 
within the south wall of the edifice. 

The ultimate object of the projected improvement 
in High-street, already noticed, was the erection of a 
new tower at the western end of the Church, but there 
is not now the remotest probability that this will be 
accomplished ; and the present ill-contrived and mis¬ 
placed belfry bids fair to remain to future generations. 
The length of the Church from the western door to the 
eastern window (within the walls) is 121 feet, and its 
greatest width 66 feet. Nearly in the centre, on the 
north side, is a double row of seats, eighteen in number, 

* It is stated in Lyson’s Mag. Brit, (on what authority?) that 
<c the tithes of Barnstaple were appropriated to Malmsbury Abbey, 
“ tq which Monastry the Church had been given by King 
“ Athelstan .” 


491 


divided by an aisle running north and south. In this 
enclosure, which is known as the Mayor’s. Aisle, (for- 
fnerly called the <c Maister’s,” or Corporator’s Aisle,) 
newly-elected Corporators,* on paying two guineas to 
the Parish, are entitled to single sittings for their lives. 
Two seats are reserved, one for the Mayor, and the other 
for the use of the Parliamentary Representatives, and 
the Recorder; the remaining sittings are disposed of 
on life-leases, or let at a yearly rent by the churchwar¬ 
dens on behalf of the parish, j- When the last alter¬ 
ation in the Church took place, two seats were gained 
by stopping up a passage which went across the 
“ Mayor’s Aislethese were sold on life leases for 
«£6l. This part of the Church was at the same 

* A custom which would certainty be “more honored in the 
breach than in the observance,” has long prevailed here, of not com¬ 
mencing the Service of the Church until the Body Corporate arc 
present, and of announcing their arrival by a voluntary on the 
organ, which continues to play until the gentlemen have taken their 
places. A few years since, the clergyman of an adjoining parish, 
having to officiate in our Church, began the service at the stated 
time. The Corporation arrived subsequently, the customary salu¬ 
tation was of course omitted, and they passed to their seats without 
the soolhing “ concord of sweet sounds.” Prayers being ended, and 
the Reverend Divine about to commence his sermon--as in solemn 
silence they had been compelled to walk in, so nowin proud defiance 
they resolved to walk out; and, preceded by the beadles and mace- 
bearers, quitted the Church, leaving the astonished congregation in 
“ dumb amazement all! ” A legal proceeding on the part of the 
clergyman had like to have been the consequence. 

t It would appear that the Corporation in 1670, claimed to have 
the management of these seats, see page 301. 

3 p 



492 


time modernized. Over the western door is a large 
and fine-toned organ, on which is the following in¬ 
scription:—“ mdcclxi v. The Gift of S h George 
“ Amyand, Bar t M. Parliament.” 

The walls, as well as the flooring of the aisles, ex¬ 
hibit monumental inscriptions to the memory of nu¬ 
merous individuals; many of these would furnish food 
for the antiquary. For the information of persons who 
may hereafter look for, and not find, monuments 
known to have been fixed in our Church, it should be 
stated, that a considerable number were necessarily 
removed from their places in 1811 and 1823, many of 
which were not put up again, but have been destroyed.* 
The steeple contains six bells, placed there in 1804, 
previous to which there were only five. The weight of 
the present peal is 3 tons, 12 cwt. 7 lbs. being from 
7 to 8 cwt. more than the old set.*)' 

The work was executed by John Briant, of Here¬ 
ford, under a contract for 200/., exclusive of freight, &c. 

* This happens to be the case with two out of three monuments 
erected to individuals of one family, ancestors of my own, and from 
whom 1 count it an honour to have descended. The names of these 
individuals were John Peard—died December 12th, 1632, aged 73 ; 
and Roger Peard—died October 29th, 1643. 

t The costs attending this alteration were as follow: — 

£ s d 

Recasting old bells, and new metal added .... 140 12 9 

New Framing, &c. 74 0 0 

Freight and Insurance to and from London, and wharfage 38 16 7 


253 9 4 




493 


Up to this time, and probably from an early period,* 
there was a set of chimes connected with the church - 
clock ; they were necessarily taken down when the 
bells were remodelled, and have not since been 
replaced. 

Attached to the Church, and over the Vestry, is a 
parochial library, founded by John Dodderidge, Esq. 
(see Grammar School) by w hom it was originally en¬ 
dowed 1 , with 112 volumes of books, chiefly works on 
theology. Additions have been made to the collection 
from time to time by various individuals, by which the 
number has been increased to 328 ; of these, more than 
a sixth part, and amongst them some of the most valu¬ 
able, were found on examination about ten years 
since to be wanting. The room in which the books 
are deposited, and also that now used as a vestry, “ was 
“ begun to be budded by the Corporation of Barnsta- 

pie, in the year 1665, and finished in 1667, by 
“ Richard Crossing, John Lovering, and John Martin, 
16 Merchants, Executors of that worthy and pious 

Benefactor, John Doddridge, Esquire, by whose 

* November 10th. “ In the eighth year of the Reigne of our 
“ Soveraigne Lady Aune,” Joseph Wiustanley, of Barnstaple, 
watchmaker, covenanted to make “ a good and sufficient new sett 
“ of chimes, which shall goe to the same tune the chimes lately 
" belonging to the said Parish and Church of Barnstaple did,” for 
“ the sume of nineteen Pounds, and all the materials belonging to 
“ the said old sett of Chimes.” Estimates were procured for new 
chimes, and also for “ a Clock and Chimes ” in 1804, but neithe r 
were put up. A new clock has subsequently been supplied (1820); 
it cost 130/. 


494 


“ bounty it was furnished with many worthy books/* 
The library, which in former years was much neglected, 
is now kept in excellent order, and a well arranged 
and correct catalogue has been prepared, agreeable to 
the provisions of an Act passed in the 7th of Queen 
Anne, 

On Friday, December, 21st, 1810, at six a. m. the 
most violent 64 war of elements ** recollected or recorded 
to have taken place in this neighbourhood, pealed forth 
its sublime artillery immediately over the town. 

** The Lord thundered in the Heavens. 

“ The lightnings lightened the world.” 

The steeple of the Church presenting in its height 
the nearest point of attraction to the electric fluid, here, 
most providentially, its furious career was checked, 
and, in all probability, the loss of life was thus pre¬ 
vented. " The weathercock, (writes T. B. K., who 
dates his memorandum on the day of the occurrence,) 
“ on the top of the spire was partly melted and the 
“ colour greatly changed, and the leaden cap which 
“ covers the spire quite bent up; the dial of the clock 
" was thrown down and split in pieces ; the east, west, 
“ and south windows shattered; and the roof broken 
‘ f in divers places/* A tomb-stone fixed at the foot of 
the wall at the east end of the Church was wrenched 
from its place, and borne across the pathway into the 
grave-yard opposite, (w hich is inclosed by a wall several 
feet high,) where the fragments to which it was reduced 
served to shew the force with which it had been pro- 


495 


pel led. No damage was done in the town except to 
the Church, save the partial injury to the roofing of 
houses caused by a tempestuous wind, which added by 
its howling to the “ mingled horrors of the storm/ 5 

The mischief done to the church was found %) be 
very great, but as an alteration in the building was 
considered at this time to be very needful, it was re¬ 
solved not to be content with merely repairing it, and 
a contract was accordingly entered into for removing 
the heavy looking arches which supported the central 
part of the roof, from the western end to the chancel, 
and substituting freestone pillars, and also for building 
a gallery on the north side, and substituting a new one 
for that on the south side. These alterations were 
carried into effect at an expense of about 800/. 

The Church was subsequently much damaged by a 
storm of wind, in October, 1823. The consequent 
repairs of the roof amounted to 114/. 

In 1823-4, the improvements made in the body of 
the edifice in 1811 were extended to the chancel, by 
the erection of corresponding pillars, and the formation 
of two additional galleries; besides which, the area 
was newly seated and other alterations made, the 
whole expense of which appears by the churchwar¬ 
dens 5 accounts, to have been about 1,400/.; but 
of this sum <£653 was realized by the sale of seats. 
A permanent advantage was also gained in a consider¬ 
able increase of sittings, the whole number of which 
is about 1,800; upwards of 120 are free. That a 
certain number of free sittings should be set apart for 


496 


indigent persons, was one condition on which the 
faculty obtained for altering the Church was granted. 

The accompanying list of Vicars will, I believe, be 
found correct, and from the period at which it com¬ 
mences complete;* it has been compiled principally 
from the Parish Register. 

-Holman, founder of a Chauntry in the 

Church-yard, now the Grammar School, at 
what date is not known. 

Thomas Martin, died December, 1555. 

Sir John Claris, (alias Clarys) Knt.died April, 1590. 

John Trender, died November, 1028. 

Martyn Blake, died September, 1673. 

Michael Ogilby, inducted . . . January 20, 1763t 

John Boyse, died October, 1686, 

George Bowring, died November, 1702. 

John Reed, died April, 1704. 

Daniel Hyde, died December 24, 1709. 

* A plain reason why it does not commence sooner.—Having 
ascertained two things, first, that a list of Vicars was only to be 
obtained at the office of the Bishop’s Secretary, (an attorney) in 
Exeter; and secondly, that the charges made there were not the 
most moderate, l took tlic precaution of enquiring beforehand, 
what a list of Vicars would cost ? (It was understood that it was 
only to extend as far back as the “ Index ” went.) After many 
applications, the minimum was fixed at two guineas. Two guineas, 
perhaps three, for the supply of twenty-five or thirty names arid 
dates, for a literary purpose ! 

t It must be borne in mind, that the year at this period, (and 
up to the middle of the succeeding century,) did not commence 
until the 25th of March. 



497 


Samuel Thomson, inducted . . . October 5, 1710 
died April 23, 1734, aged 56. 

Thomas Steed, A. M. inducted . September 14, 1734 
died November, 1764. 

William Marshall, inducted .... June 9, 1765 
died February 9, 1809, aged 83. 

John Mitchel Wade, inducted.1809 

(non-resident,) died May, 1820. 

Henry Luxmoore, A.M. inducted , . July, 1820 

The Burial-ground, in the north-west corner ol 
which the Church stands, presents a melancholy and 
humiliating picture of man’s mortality, being raised 
by the accumulation of bodies, the greater part of it, 
seven feet above the pathways which cross it, and which 
are also considerably higher than the adjoining streets. 

*• Methinks this dust yet heaves with breath ; 

“ Ten thousand pulses beat: 

“ Tell une,—in this small hill of death, 

“ How many mortals meet?’’ 

James Montgomery. 

A small addition was made to the Church-yard in 
1759, by the purchase of a portion of that part of it 
which lies to the east of the Grammar School. [See 
Appendix B.] If it was needful to extend the ground 
sixty \ears ago, how desirable must such a measure 
be at this time, the population having so greatly in¬ 
creased since that period. There is, however, now 
no way left of enlarging the Church-yard, but by 
demolishing buildings for the purpose. The old 
Priory ground is a spot every way adapted for the 



498 


formation of a new burial place ;a measure which must 
at iso very distant period be resorted to. 

The Parochial Registers, of which it may be ex¬ 
pected that some notice should be taken, commence 
with the earliest period at which such registers were 
instituted, 30th Henry VIII., and much earlier than is the 
case with many parishes. Below are copies of the first 
entries that occur in the record of births, marriages, 
and deaths, and a statement of the number 6f each 
that occur in the two earliest volumes of the registers. 

44 Here followeth all the names of such as hath byn 
“ Chrystned w 5 in the p’ish of Bar 5 * from the x Day of 
“ October, in the yere of o r lord god, athousand fiyve 
“ hundred xxxviij. untyll the Anun 5 cacon of o r lady 

44 next following, accordyng to the kyngs. 

4< and his vice gerent the lord Parom 5 t Cromwell, 
44 lord p 5 vy scale, & knyght of the garter. 55 

44 Margaret, the dafter of John Geddon, was crys 
44 tyned * vij. day of nov r - 55 

4 ‘ November, 1538. 

44 Walter cowvn and Johan hooperf maryed the 
44 xvj th Daye. 55 

44 December 1538. 

44 Thomsin Clowtman was bured the xiij th Daye. 55 

* The contractions are differently formed, but cannot he copied 

t This name, which is quite distinct in one of the duplicates, is 
so differently written in the other, that more than four letters can¬ 
not possibly be traced in it, it is totally unlike what it was intended 
for. I should judge one of the Registers to have been kept by the 
Minister, the other by the Clerk. Some of the oldest writing is. 
very beautiful, and as fresh as if penned but yesterday. 



499 


The oldest volumes (there are duplicates of the 
first) are for the most part in excellent preservation, as 
far as it respecls the ravages of time; but have suffered 
considerably from spoliation. Numerous leaves have 
been abstracted, and also a great many scraps ; these 
last, doubtless, contained interesting anecdotes, or 
noticed occurrences relative to the Town, which would 
now 7 form valuable matter for history. A few trivial 
records have been left, which will be interspersed 
under their proper dates in Chapter 7. 

Number of Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, regis¬ 
tered from 1538 to 1620. 


BAPTISMS 

MARRIAGES 

BURIALS 

. . 644 

163 

563* 

. . 553 

181 

416 

. . 743 

153 

477 

. . 920 

242 

616 

. . 1045 

292 

690 

. . 1027 

315 

851 


1st period of 10 years 
2nd ditto 

3rd ditto 

4th ditto 

5th ditto 

6th ditto 

* The mortality in one of those years, (1546,) appears to have 
been very great, amounting to 142, being 102 above the average of 
the seven preceding, and 96 more than the seven succeeding years. 
There is no data by which this calamity is to be accounted for, but 
it was evidently sudden, as the deaths which had been hut six from 
1st July up to 6th September, were twenty in the remaining part of 
the month. The deaths from the commencement to the close of the 
year were as follows;— 

April . . 6 August ... 4 December r 11 

May . . 2^ September . . 20 January, no entry 

June . . 6 1st to 19th Oct. 43 February . 4 

July . . 2 10th to 30th Nov. 42 March . . 12 

No entry was made (the register is here quite perfect) from 
October 19th to November 10th.. The mortality was evidently 

3 Q 



500 


BAPTISMS MARRIAGES BURTALS 


7th period of 10 years 
*8tli (8 years) 


1060 325 717 

764 312 504f 


A Terrier was drawn up in 1726, of which a copy 
was printed and circulated in 1804. A transcript of 
it will be found at Appendix [C]. 

CROSS-STREET CHAPEL; OR, MEETING HOUSE FOR 
CONGREGATIONAL PROTESTANT DISSENTERS. 

The dissenting interest in Barnstaple, like that of 
many other towns, had its origin in that cruel and ini- 

greatest ia these months, and the number which must have died in 
the three weeks during which the registry was omitted, would 
greatly augment the number of burials first stated. Those in 
January were probably but few. It is remarkable that this should 
have occurred precisely a century anterior to the period when the 
town and neighbourhood were devastated by the plague,which is well 
known to have been the case in 1646. It unfortunately happened, 
(although perhaps it is not much to be wondered at) that the regis¬ 
ter is silent on the subject. I find in it the following memorandum 
in the same hand writing as the entries subsequently made. “ The 

register of ye town of Barnestaple, was not kept from the yeare 
“ of o r Lord, Anno Dorn. 1642, until the year Anno 1647;” an 
interesting period, including the* time of the Civil War, with the 
pestilence which followed in its train. 

* This makes up 78 years, instead of 82 as stated above. The 
entries for the remaining four years are wanting, partly from their 
not having been made, and partly owing to leaves having been 
torn out. 

t It was my intention Iq have continued the statement to the 
present time, with the view of ascertaining the progress of the 
population, but I was compelled to relinquish the task. 


501 


politic statute, known as the Act of Uniformity, which 
was passed in 1662, and took effect on Bartholemew’s 
day in that year,* which at once thrust from the pale of 
the Church of England, upwards of two thousand of 
her best Ministers, the vital blood of the Hierarchy, 
of whom says the great Mr. Locke, “ that Bartholemew 
“ day was fatal to our church and religion by 
“ throwing out a very great number of worthy, learn- 
“ ed, pious, and orthodox divines.” 

What a triumph for the powers of darkness! I see 
“ in my mind’s eye,” the demon of persecution for¬ 
getting awhile, in his unholy exultation at the success 
of his mission, his own irremediable doom, “ hie back 
“ to his dark confine,” eager to receive the plaudits 
of his prince, and the congratulations of his compeers, 
who welcome with blasphemous joy the news of such 
a conquest. But what was the issue ? the effects of 
this deadly blow have been slowly and silently but 
surely working to the present hour ; the seed sown 
on " that Bartholemew Day,” “ grew and waxed a 
“ great tree,” which is striking its roots deeper and 
deeper into the soil, and spreading its branches far 
and wide over the nations of the earth ; “ but the end 
“ is not yet.” 

Jonathan Hanmer, and Oliver Peard, two of the 
“ noble army” of ejected ministers who patiently suff- 

* Amongst the numerous requirements of this rigorous act, was 
that which called upon ministers to declare their assent and consent 
to the Hook of Common Prayer before it was (as it respected the 
far greater part of them) possible that they could sec it, with the 
alterations which it had undergone. 


502 


ered the loss of all things for conscience sake, were the 
founders of the first congregation of dissenters in 
this town. 

Mr. Hanmer has been so unfairly dealt with by 
Doctor Walker, in his 44 Sufferings of the Clergy,” 
that it would not be doing justice to the memory of so 
worthy a man, to suffer a memorial of his native town 
to go forth to the world, without a vindication of his 
character from the unjust aspersions cast upon it. 

Dr. Walker says, in reference to Mr. Blake’s recall, 
that he was obliged to bear with 44 the cumbrance of a 
“ factious lecturer, one Hanmer,” who was rt thrust 
“ upon him lest he should be a second time dis- 
44 possessed of his living.” 

So far from Mr. Blake’s objecting to Mr. Hanmer 
as a colleague, these two amiable men lived on terms 
of the greatest harmony; and after Mr. Hanmer was 
driven from the Church, Mr. Blake continued his 
intercourse with him, and was accustomed to say 
to him and several other expelled ministers who resided 
here, 44 My heart bleeds whenever I see you, to think 
44 that such worthy persons should be silenced and 

cast out, and your places filled up by such as are 
" sadly ignorant and scandalous.” 

That in early life Mr.Hanmer’s character stood high 
with his Diocesan, is sufficiently shewn by his having 
been selected to preach the Bishop’s visitation sermon, 
in 1635, having but a short time previous had a similar 
appointment from the Archdeacon. 
ff Salutem in Christo. 

44 I have appointed my triennial visitation, and 

\ 


503 


ff intend (God willing) to visit in person. I have 
“ made choice of you to preach at Barnstable, on 
“ Wednesday the thirtieth day of March. I pray 
“ therefore prepare yourself to do it. In expectation 
“ whereof I sign myself 

“ Your loving friend and Diocesan, 

“ Jos. Exon.” 

“ From my Palace in Exon, 

" Feb. 13, 1635.” 

In his reply to his Lordship, which conveyed a 
respectful but earnest request to be excused preaching, 
he says— 44 I shall entreat your Lordship to consider 
44 (omitting my present weakness and indisposition of 
44 body) how many of my worthy brethren in the 
“ ministry there are, whose shoulders are more fit 
“ for this burden; at whose feet it would become 
44 me to sit. And withal it is no longer since than 
44 the Archdeacon’s last visitation, that I (sedquam 
44 imparl) was this way employed.” 

That he was held in esteem by the Bishop of the 
Diocese, in the decline of his years, and subsequent to 
his ejectment , is evidenced by the following document 
found among Mr. Hanmer’s papers, dated 1665, and 
addressed to the parishioners of Bishop’s Tawton. 

" We desire you forthwith to make satisfaction to 
“ Mr. Jonathan Hanmer, in his past demands. As 
44 also to admonish you, that if you shall delay to do 
“ it, such a course will speedily be taken against you 
' 4 as will be very much to your prejudice. Withal 
« adding, as your performance of your duty in doing 
44 right to Mr. Hanmer upon this my brotherly desire 


504 


“ and admonition, shall be now taken by me as an act 
“ of kindness and respect; so if this entreaty shall be 
“ despis’d, and you shall persist (contrary to the laws 
“ of God and of this kingdom) to detain his dues from 
<f him, I shall think myself obliged in all just and 
legal ways to discountenance you, by taking care 
<f (within the compass of my jurisdiction) that the 
“ laws be strictly executed upon you, when you shall 
“ be required, &c.” Signed, 46 Seth Exon.” 

It will be admitted that “ a factious ” Clergyman 
was not a person likely to be in favour with the digni¬ 
taries of the church. 

Mr. Hanmer was well qualified by his learning, 
talents, and piety, for the promulgation of the gospel; 
of which he was both a popular and a useful preacher. 
“ His lectures in Barnstaple,” (which were kept up 
by a free and generous subscription or contribution of 
such as attended) says Doctor Calamy, te were greatly 
tc thronged, vast numbers repairing to them from 
<r all parts round the town, some who lived many 
miles distant, and among the rest, divers persons of 
“ character and distinction ; and he was endeared to 
“ the people, both of the higher and lower ranks in 
“ life.” 

This excellent man was born in Barnstaple, “ in or 
“ about 1605 ;” he studied at Emanuel College, Cam¬ 
bridge, where he took the degree of M. A. He was 
ordained priest in St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster, 
1632. He became possessed of the living of Instow, 
and subsequently of the Vicarage of Bishop’s Tawton, 
which he enjoyed at the same time with the Lecture- 


505 


ship of Barnstaple, up to the memorable period of the 
passing of the act of uniformity.* 

Mr. Hanmer’s connection with his people continued 
until his decease; “ he came to his grave in a full age,” 
Dec. 16, 1687.t 

We come now to the history of the Congregational 
or Independent Dissenters of Barnstaple; this was fur- 

* I am indebted for many of the above particulars to “ A Cursory 
“ View of the lives of the Rev. Jonathan Hanmer, a. m. and the 
“ Rev. John Hanmer, a. m. &c. by H. W. Gardiner;” which 
contains, among other interesting particulars relative to Mr. Han¬ 
mer and the dissenting interest at Barnstaple, a number of rules for 
for the regulation of the Church, under the following heads: — 
*' The manner of forming the society or Church of Christ, in 
“ Barnstaple, by the Rev. Jonathan Hanmer.—The qualifications 
“ requisite in those that visit.—The pastor’s duty to the people.— 
“ The duty of people to their pastors.—Their duty towards each 
“ other and to all mankind.—Some additional general directions.” 

t In May, 1827, as the parish sexton was digging a grave iu 
the S. E. quarter of the churchyard, he met with an impediment 
which proved by the following inscription, cut on a small white 
marble slab, to be the tomb of Mr.Hanmer’s family, close adjoining 
to which was that of Judge Podderidge:—** Prope abhinc orientem 
“ versus jacent Reliquse Catharine uxoris Mr. Jonaths Han- 
M mer, liujus villae prselectoris quae obiit a. d. mdclxvi. Nec non 
" liberorum eorundem, Sare obiit a. d. mdcli. Elizabeths a. d. 
“ mdclvi. Jonaths et Sars mdclxiii Resurgent.”—The slab was 
found fixed in the centre of the end wall of the two sepulchres, the 
top stones of which were about three feet below the surface of the 
ground. The inscription was taken from its subterranean deposi¬ 
tary, and affixed to the sepulchre of the Rev. John Haumer, son of 
Jonathan Hanmer. Mr. Hanmer's remains were probably interred 
in the Castle Meeting, where there were several vaults ; but this 
cannot now be ascertained. 


506 


nished up to the year 1777 by one of its ministers, the 
Rev. Samuel Badcock, who left in manuscript the 
following account:— 

“The dissenting congregation in this place was 
“ originally gathered by Mr. Jonathan Hanmer, (grand- 
“ father of the poet Gay,) and Mr. Oliver Peard. 
“ The former was a lecturer at the church in the 
“ protectorship of Cromwell. He was a man of 
cc very considerable abilities and great application. 
<c He wrote a treatise on Christian Confirmation, 
“ recommended by Mr. Baxter, ” (and various 
other pieces.) “ Both he and Mr. Peard were 
“ ejected by the Act of Uniformity in 1662. Dr. 
<f Calamy has given an account of both. When 
“ Charles II. granted an indulgence in 1672,* •* the 

* This “ Indulgence ” brought only a temporary suspension of 
the unjust and cruel laws then in force against the Nonconformists. 
Besides the well-known and never to be forgotten Five-mile Act, 
which forbade Ministers to appear within five miles of any market 
town. The Conventicle Act was also in operation, which provided, 
“ That every person above sixteen years of age, present at any 
“ meeting, under pretence of any exercise of religion, in other 

•* manner than is the practice of the Church of England, where 
•' there are five persons more than the household, shall for the first 
“ offence, by a Justice of Peace, be recorded and sent to gaol three 
“ months, till he pay 51 .; and for the second offence, six months, 
w till he pay 10/.; and the third time, being convicted by a Jury, 
“ shall be banished to some of the American Plantations, except 
“ New England or Virginia.” We who are Dissenters should look 
at what the Nonconformists suffered from the restoration of Charles 
“ II. until the accession of William ; we should “ think on these 
“ things,” and be thankful for the privileges we enjoy ; uot that 
we enjoy more than wc have a Tight to, but let us be grateful that 


507 


c ‘ congregation built a meeting-house near the castle, 
ft and formed themselves into a regular church on the 
“ congregational plan, under the pastorship of Mr. 

“ Oliver Peard, who (by the approbation of the 
“ people) chose for his assistant Mr. John Hanmer, 
“ the son of his former colleague, who, though not 
“ ejected from any living by the Act of Sequestration, 
<e yet refusing to take the oaths, and comply with the 
€i other requisites of conformity, was silenced for some 
ic years, and being obliged to quit the college, is 
“ classed by Dr. Calamy amongst the ejected minis- 
“ ters, and spoken of with peculiar honour in the 
“ continuation of his account. In May, 1692, Mr. 
“ Hanmer (by the consent of Mr. Peard) was chosen 
“ co-pastor, and after the death of Mr. Peard, Sep- 
“ tember 9, 1696,* Mr. Hanmer was desired to take 
“ upon himself the whole of the pastoral office, which 
“ he complied with. As the congregation was very 
“ large, Mr. Hanmer was prevailed on to choose an 
“ assistant. The person fixed on was Mr. William 
“ Peard, (son of Mr. O. Peard, the former pastor,) 
“ who, at that time, was settled over a congregation at 

our right is not wrested from us by the might of oppression as was 
the ease with our forefathers. We worship openly and without fear 
of molestation ; they could only meet secretly and in dread, not 
merely of detection, but of the punishment which would be sure to 
follow. They did not however “ forsake the assembling them- 
“ selves together,” although obliged to meet in obscure places, and 
where there was more than one way of egress, to place persons on 
the watch whilst they were assembled, and to forbear singing. 

* 1696, Sept. “Oliver Peard, Non. Con. buried 12th day.”— 
Parish Register. 


508 


f ‘ Appledore, near Bideford. This was about (he 
year 1700. Mr. Hanmer soon after this was ren¬ 
dered almost incapable of ministerial work, and 
some disputes arising in the congregation, respect- 
“ ing the choice of an assistant, a considerable part 
" of the congregation seceded in 1705, (leaving the 
congregation at the castle entirely under the care of 
Mr. Peard.) For some time the seceders worship¬ 
ped in a private house, till a very commodious 
“ chapel was built for them in Cross Street. The 
“ first candidate for the separate congregation was a 
Mr. Birne, or Bearne. A blunder he made in the 
“ pulpit was the only cause of his being rejected. He 
was to preach a funeral sermon for an old gentle- 
fc man well known, which drew a large audience. 
The poor man had forgotten to note down where his 
text was to be found. He told them (with a most 
disconcerted air) that he believed his text was in 
the Proverbs, but he was not certain, but the words 
weie so and so. This unlucky blunder was the 
parent of a thousand more ; his sermon was a very 
<f chaos of crude divinity. Some were chagrined, 
“ others disgusted, and a third sort gratified with 
something to make a jest of. The preacher was 
“ too much mortified to make a second attempt, and 
" the people that invited him too much mortified to 
desire it. This Mr. Birne afterwards settled at 
Hammersmith, and in his latter days made a worse 
blunder than at first. He conformed to the Esta¬ 
blishment, and became so enamoured of his canon- 
icals, that he wore them all day long ! ! But, 


509 


poor man ! he was near seventy ! When the Cross 
Street Chapel was completed, the congregation 
invited Mr. George Boucher, in the year 1706, to 
r ‘ settle among them. He was at that time with the 
people at Bovey—had been a student at old Mr. 
“ HalletPs academy at Exeter, and was ordained in 
“ 1701. Mr. Hanmer did not long survive the 
u separation. The time of his death is specified in 
“ Dr. Calamy's Continuation, and some account of 
“ his character from his funeral sermon by Mr. 
ei Boucher. Mr. Peard, of the castle meeting, dying, 
“ he was succeeded by Mr. John Powell, who before 
“ that had been settled with a congregation at Bland- 
ford. The name of this gentleman, (and also Mr. 
" Boucher’s,) is among the subscribing ministers at 
“ the Exeter assembly in 1719. About a year before 
ic his death, he became totally incapacitated for 
“ ministerial work, on which account the congrega- 
“ tion invited Mr. Thomas Bishop to be their pastor. 
“ He had been a chaplain in the family of Sir 
" John Davey, Bart, and preached at Shobrook, near 
“ Crediton. He settled at Barnstaple, January \, 
1720. Mr. Bishop was succeeded by Mr. John 
“ Walrond in the year 1738. He was nephew of that 
tf Mr. Walrond, of Exeter, who was a principal 
“ opposer of Arianism and Mr. Pierce, in 1719. 
“ Mr. Boucher, at the Cross Street Meeting, growing 
exceedingly infirm, it was proposed to Mr. Wal- 
,s rond in the year 1753, (as he had always lived in 
“ the greatest harmony with Mr. Boucher and his 
<f people,) to unite both congregations under his own 


510 


“ ministry, and for the satisfaction of both, it was 
“ judged most eligible to preach at each meeting 
alternately.* Through Mr. Waldron’s prudence 
“ and moderation, this scheme was effected to the 


* The following is a copy of an agreement drawn up on this 
occasion, (dated four years earlier than the time mentioned by Mr. 
Badcock) entitled, “ Articles for uniting the two dissenting con- 
** gregations in Barum, delivered to Mr. Walrond, Jan. 1749. 

“ First. That the Rev. John Walrond, be chosen joint Pastor, 
** with our Rev. George Boucher, and that he preach once every 
“ Lord’s day at the' Meeting in Cross Street, and that the Sacra* 
“ ment of the Lord’s Supper be administered iu that place 
u alternately. 

** Secondly. That the said Mr. John Walrond shall have the 
“ money arising by subscription, which the said Mr. George Boucher 
11 now bath, or is usually paid to him, by us who are his constant 
“ hearers, except w’here change of circumstance in worldly affairs 
make an alteration; and also that the said Mr. John Walrond 
“ shall have all such money as now doth or may hereafter arise 
“ from the seats in our said Meeting House, after deducting the 
" charge for necessary repairs and taxes of all kinds for the said 
“ house. 

'* Thirdly. That in case the said Mr. John Walrond do survive 
ft our said Mr. George Boucher, he shall become sole Pastor of the 
“ united congregations. 

“ — HOOPER, ** JOHN SKINNER, “ JOHN BESLEY, 

“ EDWARD GR1BBLE, “ ROBERT GRIBBLE, “ WM. GRIBBLE, 

“ LEWIS LANGDON, “ GEORGE RAWLE, *' HENRY COWELL, 

« JOHN COATS, “ RICHARD SYMONS, “ WM. BESLEY.” 

“ WILLIAM PEARD, “ JOHN HOLLAMORE, 

*« SAMUEL JOCE, “ MATTHEW REEDER, 

The service was continued at each place alternately, until 
1800. The Castle Meeting was sold in 1806, and has since 
been occupied as a warehouse for timber. 


511 


<f satisfaction of Mr. Boucher and both societies.” 
(Mr. Walrond published an excellent Discourse on 
Ejaculatory Prayer, 8vo. 1747.) “ Mr/Walrond 

dying in the year 1769, the united congregations 
invited Mr. Samuel Badcock to settle among them. 
“ He accordingly removed from Wimborne, in Dor- 
“ setshire, and preached his first sermon at Barnstaple, 
“ April 1, 1770. The number of communicants 
from the first institution of the society to the present 
“ time, 1777,—80 to 100;—stated hearers, about 
“ 500.” 

Mr. Badcock ranked high as a literary character; 
he wrote a considerable portion of White’s Bampton 
Lectures, and greatly distinguished himself by his 
talents as a reviewer, particularly by his severe stric¬ 
tures on Priestly and Madan. 

Notwithstanding his bold censure of the " poor 
“ man ” Mr. Birne, he also “ conformed to the 
“ Establishment,” and was “ ordained by Bishop 
“ Ross, on the title of the Curacy of Broadclist.” 
We naturally ask, what could induce a man so firmly 
attached to the cause of dissent as Mr. Badcock 
appeared to have been, to turn his back upon it so 
abruptly ? His going over to the Episcopalians was 
with him, in all probability, as his resigning his 
charge of the congregation here certainly was, an act 
of expediency rather than choice ; he was accused, 
and after some time acknowledged himself guilty, of 
gross immorality, and had thus no alternative but that 
of retiring from his office or losing his hearers. It 
may be truly said, that when his indiscretion drove 


512 


him from among dissenters, his talents opened a way 
for him into the church. 

Mr. Badcock was succeeded by the Rev. Benjamin 
Seaward, who was ordained here 20th August, 1777 ; 
he filled the pastoral office until his death, in 1799. 
Religion was at this period at a very low ebb in the 
congregation. In the same year, the Rev. Richard 
Taprell, then of Southmoltou, accepted a call from 
the church, and remained until January, 1804, when 
he became minister of a dissenting church at Braun- 
ton. The Rev. Henry William Gardiner, a. m. (a 
descendant of Colonel James Gardiner, so well remem¬ 
bered as a brave soldier and an exemplary Christian,) 
next became pastor ; he removed to Barnstaple from 
Southwold, Suffolk, in 1804, and continued to minis¬ 
ter here for twenty-three years. 

Mr. Gardiner had been for some years one of the 
secretaries to the Hibernian Society, but beins: desi- 
rous to devote himself more particularly to the interests 
of that valuable institution, he retired from Cross 
Street Chapel, at Lady-day, 1827, and was succeeded 
by the present Minister, the Rev. Benjamin Kent, 
who settled here July 1, in the same year, having for 
the preceding fourteen years, presided over the con¬ 
gregation at the Tabernacle, Trowbridge. 

The present number of hearers is about 600, and of 
communicants, 94. 

This society supports,'besides a sabbath school, (for 
which see “ Sunday Schools/ 1 ) an institution called 
the Sick Mar/s Friend, established in 1809, which 
has for its object the relief of the sick poor, without 
regard to sect or denomination. 


513 


In 1826, an Auxiliary Religious Tract Society was 
formed in conjunction with the Baptist Friends, which 
under the auspices of both congregations, is still in 
operation. 

The Chapel is not a very commodious one, but has 
been rendered by several recent alterations, as much 
so as the stile of the present building and its confined 
site will admit of. It was newly seated, and a gallery 
was erected on one side in 1806; an addition was 
made to the gallery in 1821, which was again exten¬ 
ded in 1824. These improvements were effected at an 
expense of from 500/. to 600/. the whole of which was 
borne by the congregation. 

The Meeting House is vested in the five undermen¬ 
tioned persons as Trustees—John Gribble, William 
Gribble, John Pitt, Timothy Harding Willi*, and 
John Bowen. 

The undermentioned donations and bequests have 
been made to this, or the Castle Meeting;— 

£ s. d. 

1711—Joseph Bailer, by will, dated March 

3rd in that year, an annuity of 10 0 0 

1714—Martin Westacot, a rent charge ari¬ 
sing out of a house in the Square, 
now occupied by Mr. Woollacot, of 1 10 0 

1726—Mary Carder, a house in Holland- 
Street, now in the occupation of 
James Petter, let at Christmas, 

1783, on lease for 99 years, at a 


yearly rent of.110 

1736—John Langdon .10 0 0 




514 


£ s. d. 

1739—Mary Bagilhole, a house in the Cattle 
Market, for the use of the Minis¬ 
ter, held under the Corporation of 


Barum, at a rent of 5s. per annum- 

1746—Rachael Moll . 100 0 0 

Jeffery Bagilhole. 100 0 0 

Sarah Parminter .10 0 0 

1753—Elizabeth Frost. 20 0 0 

1756—Samuel Joce. 20 0 0 

1765— Oliver Pike . 100 0 0 

1766— John Besley, Surgeon. 50 0 0 

1767— Alice Peard. 20 0 0 

1770—Wm. Tristram, a rent charge payable 

from a house in High Street, now 
inhabited by Anthony Huxtable . 3 10 0 

1776—Sophia Sloly.’ 20 0 0 

Hannah Peard . 20 0 0 

The income realized by the above gifts is as 


follows, independent of the minister's house:— 


£ s. d. 

Interest of 750/. 18s. lid. 3 per cents, red. 
into which the money, bequests, and Mr. 

Bailer’s annuity, have been converted . 22 8 0 
Interest of 20/. given by Mrs. Badcock, 1798 40 0 

Rent of House in Holland Street * . . . 110 


Carried up . . . £24 9 0 

* This property, which is much underlet, the trustees had no 
right whatever to lease for so long a term, the present trustees 
have not however sought to disturb (he title. 

















515 


£ s. d. 

Brought up ... 24 9 0 

Rent Charge on House in Square ... 1 10 0 

Rent Charge on House in High Street . . 3 10 0 

£29 9 0 

Interest of 100/. received from Hon. Mrs. 

Welman .500 

Total ... £34 9 0 

In 1812, Thomas Stiff, Esq. of London, gave to 
the Trustees of this Chapel, a garden to be appropri¬ 
ated as a burial ground. It is situate but a short 
distance from the church-yard, but the way to it is 
rather circuitous, (see plan of the town.) The first 
corpse interred here, was that of Elizabeth Hera path, 
in June, 1813. 

THE METHODIST CHAPEL, OR MEETING HOUSE 
OF WESLEYAN METHODISTS. 

It does not appear that the venerable John Wesley, 
whose name is associated with so large a portion of 
the Christian world, and whose “praise is in all the 
“ churches,” ever preached in this town, although he 
did repeatedly in Bideford, and other places in the 
neighbourhood. The first preachers who erected the 
standard of Methodism here, were Richard Drew and 
John Sandoe, who about the year 1788, visited this 
town as Missionaries from the Methodist Conference ; 
their piety and zeal were their chief recommendations, 
but the tide of prejudice ran so strong against them, 
3 s 





516 


that their ministry was attended by only a few of the 
lower class of tlie inhabitants ; they preached in an 
obscure room in Boutport Street, and sometimes in the 
public Streets and in the Square ; where, when on one 
occasion Mr. Sandoe was addressing a numerous 
assemblage, the Mayor sent two of his Constables to 
silence him, and disperse his congregation ; in con¬ 
sequence of this interruption, the preacher removed to 
the farther extremity of the Bridge, which is out of the 
jurisdiction of the local authorities of the town, whither 
he was followed by the greater part of his auditory, 
and there concluded his discourse. Undaunted by 
persecution, these zealous ministers pursued their 
course, and were after a while joined by a few of the 
inhabitants who embraced their doctrines, and thus a 
small community was formed. It is worthy of being 
recorded to the honor of his liberality and Christian 
benevolence, that when no other person was found 
with an ability and disposition to render the preachers 
any support, a pious man of another denomination* 
persuaded of the purity of their motives, sought an 
interview with them, and welcomed them to his house. 

About the year 1790, a person engaged as a clerk 
in the manufactory at Rawleigh, who was a member of 
the Methodist body, and had been a local preacher in 
Bristol, became leader of the little society, (now 
about half a dozen members,) and ministered to them 
in the absence of the itinerant preachers, who visited 
Barnstaple but once in a fortnight, on a week-day 

* Mr. William Drevvett, for more than half a century a member 
of the Independent Church. 


517 


evening*. Under his instrumentality the infant church 
increased, and a more commodious place for conduct¬ 
ing their religious services was found to be requisite. 
A subscription was soon raised, and a small chapel, 
which accommodated about an hundred persons, was 
erected in Holland Street. Here the society grew and 
flourished, but their prosperity was but of short dura¬ 
tion ; the breaking up of the establishment at Rawleigh 
in 1795, caused the removal of the individual by whose 
services the Methodists had been so materially benefit- 
ted, the cause again languished, and was at a very low 
ebb, until 1798. In this year the 58th regiment of 
foot was stationed here, belonging to which was a 
serjeant Davis, a man of excellent character, and an 
accredited local preacher in the Methodist connexion, 
an avocation which his commanding officer permitted 
him to pursue in the intervals of his military duties. 
This individual zealously devoted himself to the service 
of the society, preaching not only on sabbath days, 
but frequently on the week nights ; the novelty of a 
person in soldier’s uniform occupying the pulpit, 
attracted a numerous auditory, and many persons in 
consequence united themselves to the church. On 
his removal after a few weeks’ sojourn here, the society 
was again deprived of a resident preacher, and the 
cause once more retrograded. 

Until 1810, the society in this town had been 
considered a part of what was then called the Cul- 
lompton Circuit, and was visited by the preachers 
stationed there; but in that year the Conference 
appointed a preacher to confine his labours to this and 


518 


the neighbouring towns. The result of this arrange¬ 
ment was that the cause increased, and the congrega¬ 
tion becoming much larger than the chapel would 
accommodate, the present commodious meeting-house 
was in 1814 erected in Boutport Street, and vested in 
twenty-one trustees. The stated number of hearers is 
about 400, and of members upwards of 100. 

BAPTIST OR EBENEZER CHAPEL. 

The Baptist interest in this town is but of recent 
origin, no society in that connexion having, as far as is 
known, ever congregated here for public worship until 
3814. In this year a room in High Street was opened 
for divine service, which at first could only be performed 
every third sabbath, there being no stated minister. 

In November 1817, a church consisting of eleven 
members was formed at the Castle Inn, the room 
usually occupied by the congregation not being large 
enough for the service. On the same day, three 
persons were baptized by immersion in the river near 
the North Walk. In 1818, the chapel in Holland 
Street, already mentioned as having been occupied by 
the Methodists, was obtained, and held until the 
opening of the present meeting house, on 29th Sep¬ 
tember, 1824. The chapel which is neat and roomy, 
is furnished with a baptistry and vestry, and has a 
small burying-ground. 

It is vested in the under-named Trustees—William 
Prance, Charles Ferris, Robert Dyer, Robert Fearon, 
David Best, -Taylor, Charles Veysey. 


519 


The erection, and purchase of the site cost about 
800/. The situation is ineligible, but a more con¬ 
venient one could not be obtained. 

The congregation has been supplied by the following 
ministers :— 

Mr. Glanville, from December, 1817, to April, 1818. 

Mr. Rogers, from April, 1818, to September, 1820. 

Mr. Mitchell, from October, 1820, to March, 1823. 

Rev. Mr. Johns, who was ordained here September 29, 
1829, from January, 1824, to April, 1825. 

Mr. Aveline, who was much beloved by his people, and 
quitted them only on account of continued ill health, 
from May, 1825, to August, 1829. 

Rev. Isaac Orchard, from January, 1830, to the end of 
the year. 

During the intervals between March 1823, and 
January 1824, the congregation was, as is the case at 
present, destitute of a minister, and served by occasi¬ 
onal supplies. 

QUAKERS* MEETING. 

I am not aware, that up to the year 1829, there 
were ever any members of the Society of Friends 
resident in Barnstaple ; there are now four of this res¬ 
pected denomination carrying on business here. They 
have not as yet a Meeting House, but they assemble 
for worship, with a few individuals of the same per¬ 
suasion living in a parish not far distant, at a room in 
Joy-street, which was first set apart for this purpose in 
September 1829. 


520 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 

Five of these very excellent institutions, all main¬ 
tained by voluntary contributions, are in operation 
here. They will be best noticed in the order in which 
they were established. 

Cross Street, 1805.—Superintendant and Teach¬ 
ers, all gratuitous.—Number of Children, 160.— 
Expenditure for the past year, 71. 

Methodist , 1811.—Superintendant and Teachers 
all gratuitous.—Number of Children, 130.—Annual 
cost, 8 1. 8 s. 

Baptist , 1819.—Superintendant and Teachers, all 
gratuitous.—Number of Children, 94.—Annual cost, 
not ascertained. 

Church , 1823.—Secretary 20/. per annum, two 
other Assistants, 71. 16s.—Number of Children, 230— 
Expenditure for the year ending Midsummer, 1830, 
(as per printed statement) 31/. 9s. 3fZ. 

Back Lane, (in connexion with Cross Street,) 1830. 
—Number of Children, 45. 

THE GRAMMAR OR HIGH SCHOOL 

Is of great antiquity ; " when it was founded is not 
“ known, but it may boast of a remote origin.”* It is 
said, and with great probability, to have been anciently 
conducted by the Priests of Saint Mary, and Saint Ni- 


* Carli^p 


521 


eholas’s Chapel, but appears not to have been endowed 
until the year 1646, (for the endowments and other 
particulars, of which a repetition here is unnecessary, 
see page 147-9.”)* The annexed list of Masters of 
this seminary is the most perfect I have been able to 
obtain. It is partly extracted from “ Carlisle’s endowed 
*' Grammar Schools,” but principally from Parochial 
Records. 

1597.-Symmons, “ put out ” in this year, and was 

succeeded by 

Richard Symmons, A. M. 

1600. —Samuel Butler, “ inhibited from teaching ’till he 

“ shews by what authority he teaches; ” Dec. 
1601. 

1601. — - Mansfield, appointed by the Bishop of 

Exeter, on the removal of Mr. Butler. 

1630.—Thomas Branker. 

John Roshier, died Oct. 1669. 

1669.—George Hume, “ died 1693, aged 80; buryed in 
« Pilton.” t 

Edward Allison, died Dec. 1679. 

Nathaniel Viner, died Sep. 1680. 

William Raynor, removed to Tiverton. 

Robert Luck, A. M. “ a poet of no mean rank, 
“ and who probably inspired Gay with a taste 
“ for poetry.” J 

* For particulars of the Charity Schools and almshouses, see 
Chapter 2. 

t Carlisle. 

J Ibid.— That this was the case may be considered as more 
than probable. In a volume of poems published by Mr. Luck after 


522 


1740.—John Wright, A. M. 

1772.—William Cooke, A. M. 

1792.—William Dyer. 

1795.- Henry Nickolls, A. M. 

The last mentioned gentleman still holds the 
appointment, having' established and maintained his 

Gay’s death, and dedicated to the Duke of Queensbury, the follow¬ 
ing lines occur:— 

“ O Queensbury! could happy Gay 
“ This offering to thee bring, 

“ ’Tis his, my Lord, (he’d smiling say,) 

“ Who taught your Gay to sing.” 

To have been instrumental in adding to the reputation which 
this divine appears to have enjoyed, would have been a pleasing 
task;—the reverse is a repulsive one. Most sincerely do I regret 
that he should have “ tarnished his fair fame ” by imbibing and 
nourishing such a spirit as is evinced in the concluding part of the 
subjoined letter. Some men can thiuk and act rationally on every 
subject but one, and on that their imaginations or their passions 
“ run riot,” and lead them into acts of extravagance at which 
human nature, in the exercise of sober reason, must blush. 

That Mr. Luck’s disposition was merciful in the main, this very 
letter sufficiently testifies ; but he had his weak side, and the spirit 
of bigotry was ever at hand to take advantage of it; thus did 
he, who was usually humane and forgiving, become to a poor 
unfortunate puritan,* cruel and revengeful. Persecution on account 
of religious opinions, is at best hateful; but the infliction by a 
dispenser of the law of a heavy penalty on a “ very poor man,” 
not for the offence, for which alone the law has prescribed the 

* The proscribed individual was no doubt a dissenter , but the term 
Anabaptist was in all probability merely used opprobriously. 


523 


reputation as an able tutor, and good disciplinarian 
during the long period of thirty-five years 

penalty, bat only because the individual lias “ greatly dared ■* to 
act up to the dignity of a rational being, by thinking and acting 
for himself in matters of religion— thus to persecute betrays a 
latent principle of intolerance which in other times might have fol¬ 
lowed the sufferer to a prison or a stake. 

Copy (printedfrom the original) of a letter written by “ the 
" Rev. Robert Luck, Surrogate of the Archdeaconry Court [of 
c ‘ Barnstaple,] and Master of Baium Grammar School, to Mr. Jos. 
“ Tucker, ofTawstock, Registrar of the Archdeaconry — 

“ Dear Sr.—I was out of town last Tuesday, and so cou’d not 
u answer your kind letter then; I assure you l have only wanted 
“ an opportunity to visit you, which this Lent will give, and I 
“ shall take. I have not forgot nor forborn Randall; he has 
“ repeated his assurances of paying the 40s. I doubt not but to 
have the money or paper speedily. If he gives me a note, I will 
“ so far give it credit, as to send you forthwith upon it 20s. 

“ One Henry Merrick, of W. Down, has had a little one sworn 
“ agst him ; he pleads innocence in words and face, so far as to 
" incline a man to believe him ; however to avoyd trouble the poor 
“ fellow has left a pound in my hands, which George brings you ; 
“ and will raise the like sum by next Fryday, if you will take care 
t: to send a dismission to me, which I will signe and seal. It is 

“ too little, but he is very poor. The w-is Anne Norman, of 

u W. Down, widow, of whom I shall take care. Here's but a 
“ small appearance to-day. 

“ I am, your faithful! humble servt. 

“ R. Lucjc. 

" Feb. 9th, 1710. 

“ My wife salutes you. 

“ Just now I am well assur'd Merrick is a rank Anabaptist. He 
“ lodg’d the mony upon condition you and I shou'd both agree to 
“ the commutation. Pray write me word that you do not accept 
“ of the terms propos’d, which will give me an opportunity to treat 

3 T 


524 


The usual number of pupils is about forty, one only 
is educated on the foundation, but one or two others 
are generally received gratuitously. 

Some distinguished literary characters received their 
education at this school, among whom may be noticed 

Doctor Harding, born at Combmartin, in 1512. 

Bishop Jewell, born at Berrynarbor, an adjoining 
village, 1522. 

Gay, the celebrated Poet. 

Samuel Musgrave, m. d. the learned editor of 
Euripides. 

Judge Dodderidge, the eminent lawyer and anti¬ 
quary, who was a native of the town, is supposed to 
have been educated here, as was probably his nephew 
John Dodderidge, also a native, the author of a work 
on the Antiquity of Parliament. 

The two first named individuals are said to have 
been schoolfellows, but the difference in their ages 
makes this doubtful, but whether or no they were 
engaged at the same time, as well as in the same place, 
in storing their minds with the elements of literary 
warfare, they engaged warmly in after life in the field 
of controversy. Let history speak of their respective 
merits. 

“ Thomas Harding, d.d., one of those time-serving 
,f priests, whose versatile conduct reflects no honour 
“ on any profession, was born in Devonshire in 1512. 
“ He was appointed Professor of Hebrew by King 

“ him as his character deserves. I wish we con’d force him to do 
“ pennance. A citation shall be provided for him next Fryday, 
“ instead of a dismission.” 


525 


“ Henry VIII. whose half-reforming principles lie 
adopted.” He became subsequently “ a complete 
c< Protestant,” and lastly a “confirmed Papist.” After 
the accession of Queen Elizabeth, he went to Louvaine, 
4f where he began his famous controversy against 
“ Bishop Jewell, against whom he wrote seven tracts 
“ in favour of Popery. His works shew him to have 
ct been a man of learning and ability.” 

€t John Jewell, a learned English writer and Bishop. 
fr Upon the accession of Mary, in 1553, he was one of 
V the first who felt the rage of the storm then raised 
“ against the reformation. He was called upon to 
ri subscribe to some of the Popish doctrines under the 
“ severest penalties, which he submitted to. He fled 
“ to Franckfort in the second year of Queen Mary*s 
“ reign, where he made a public recantation of his 
“ subscription to the Popish doctrines. He returned 
“ to England in 1558.” He is stiled “ one of the 
te greatest champions of the reformed religion. His 
“ defence of it against Harding and other Popish 
“ divines was in such esteem, that Queen Elizabeth, 
€S King James 1., King Charles I., and four successive 
“ Archbishops, ordered it to be kept chained in all 
“ parish churches for public use.” 

1 should be held inexcusable, were l not to devote a 
page or two of this work to the narration of some par¬ 
ticulars relative to that sweet singer amongst our 
British poets, who was here first “ taught to sing.” 

A brief but interesting memoir of Gay, penned by 
his nephew the Rev. Joseph Bailer, was published in 
1820, by Mr. Henry Lee, in a duodecimo volume, 


626 


entitled, “ Gay’s Chair.” The following extracts 
from Mr. Bailer’s narrative, embrace all that has any 
bearing on the long disputed question of the poet’s 
birth-place. 

4f The County of Devon has been rendered famous 
44 by giving birth to many eminent characters, parti- 
“ cularly to the celebrated poet Mr. John Gay, a 

gentleman of great wit and humour, whose writings 
“ are read by all lovers of true taste and genius, and 
44 which, in all probability, will continue to entertain 
44 the world, and hand down his name to the latest 6 
“ posterity. 

He was born in Barnstaple , in the year 1688, 
“ and was the youngest child of Mr. William Gay, 
“ the second son of John Gay, Esq. of Frithelstock, 
“ near Great Torrington, of an ancient and worthy 
“ family, who had been resident in this county several 
“ centuries. He, (the subject of this memoir,) with 
4f his elder brother Jonathan, and two sisters, were 
“ left orphans very early in life; their father and 
44 mother both dying in or about the year 1694. The 
r< elder brother Jonathan inheriting the paternal 
44 estate, the youugest children were possessed of but 
4C moderate fortunes.” 

" While a boy he resided with his mother at a 
44 house the corner of Joy-street, facing Holland-street, 
“ in Barnstaple, and became a pupil to Mr. Rayner, 
4f master of the Grammar School, who shortly after 
“ removed to Tiverton, and his place was supplied by 
44 Mr. Robert Luck, under whose tuition Gay con- 
44 tinued some time, and made considerable progress.” 


527 


“ When he left school, he was, by the advice of his 
ff relatives, bound apprentice to a mercer in London. 
Young Gay, not being able to bear the confinement 
of a shop, soon felt a remarkable depression of spirits, 
“ and consequent decline of health ; he was therefore 
4f obliged to quit that situation, and retire to Barn- 
“ staple, in the hope of receiving benefit from his 
“ native air. Here he was kindly received at the 
<f house of his uncle, his mothers brother, the Reve- 
“ rend John Hanmer, the nonconformist minister of 
“ that town. 

“ After continuing some months in Barnstaple, his 
health became reinstated, upon which he returned 
“ to London, where he lived for some time as a private 
*• gentleman.” 

“ In the autumn of 1732, he retired with the Duke 
“ of Queensrury to his seat of Amesbury, Wiltshire, 
€t in the hope of effectually removing the severe dis- 
“ order which had so long afflicted him. 

“ At this crisis it was his intention to pass some 

“ months in Devonshire, and apartments were accord- 
“ ingly prepared for him at a house near Landkey, in 
“ the vicinity of Barnstaple ; but his friends were 
“ disappointed in their expectations of seeing him. 
“ By h is going to London in the latter part of 
46 November, for the purpose of introducing on the 
“ stage his opera of Achilles, his disorder returned 

“ with double violence, and baffling the skill of 

“ the most eminent physicians, it put a period to his 
“ life, December the 4th, 1732, in the 44th year of 
“ his age. Dying a bachelor, and without a will, his 


528 


44 sisters, Katherine Baller and Joanna For- 
44 tescue, became entitled to his effects, and soon 
44 after they obained jetters of administration to con- 
44 firm their claim.” The property amounted to 
about 6000/. 

44 Mr. Bailer’s manuscript ” (says Mr. Lee) “ con- 
44 eludes with these words :— 4 I, the elder son of Mr. 
44 4 Gay*s oldest sister, Katherine Bailer, have drawn 
“ 4 up this memoir, both from my own knowledge, 
44 4 and from what l have at different times heard 
44 4 from my beloved mother. J. B.’ ” 

Upon this evidence, furnished by a son of the poet’s 
sister, it will hardly be any longer questioned that 
Barnstaple has a just claim to the honor of having- 
been Gay’s birth place. His name certainly does not 
appear in our Parish Register,* but omissions have 
doubtless been made, and the embryo poet was as 
likely to be amongst them as any other infant. 
Nothing certainly can invalidate Mr. Bailer’s testi¬ 
mony but actual proof of the registry of Mr. Gay’s 
birth in some other parish. 

* The name of Gay, or Gaye, however, appears frequently, and 
in a way which shews the family which bore it to have been both 
numerous and respectable. 

In 1544*5, three burials of persons so called are recorded on one 
page of the register ; namely, Mr. Richard Gaye, Mr. John Gaye, 
" gontill man,” and Johano Gaye. The appellation Mr. is but 
very rarely bestowed, but that of gentleman l do not recollect to 
have seen applied in more than one or two instances besides the 
above. 

Richard Gay was mayor of the town in 1533, and Anthony Gay 
in 1638. 


529 


Gay's Chair .—About twelve years since, there was 
sold by auction, along with other effects of a Mr. Clark 
then recently deceased, an ingeniously-formed chair 
which on subsequent examination was found to contain 
a secret drawer, “ full of manuscript papers.” 

The annexed description, accompanied by a wood 
engraving, is given in the work already referred to. 

61 Under the arms of the chair are drawers, with the 
Cf necessary implements for writing, each drawer turns 
“ ona pivot, and has attached to it a brass candlestick. 
" The wooden leaf for reading or writing upon may 
“ be raised or depressed at the student’s pleasure. 
“ Under the seat is a drawer for books or paper, and 
t( behind it is the concealed drawer in which were 
* c found the manuscripts ; it is curiously fastened by a 
tr small bolt not perceivable, till the larger drawer is 
€t removed. The chair is made of very fine grained 
tf dark coloured mahogany ; the seat, back, and arms 
“ stuffed, and covered with brown leather, ornamented 
“ with brass nails ; the whole, considering its anti- 
“ quity, in pretty good repair, is admirably con- 
“ structed for meditative ease and literary application.” 

The chair, which a few years previous had been 
purchased at a sale of some of the effects of the late 
Mrs. Williams, niece of the Rev. Joseph Bailer, was 
proved beyond all reasonable doubt to have been 
Gay’s. Mr. Lee purchased both it and the m.s.s. some, 
if not all of which latter he gave to the world in his 
publication. 


530 


APPENDIX TO CHAPTER V. 


[A.] 

“ Barum , Anno lTO ^^—Extracts from “ a rate made upon 
“ all lands $ tenements within the town and parish oj 
“ Barnstaple aforesaid , for and towards the reparation 
“ of the Parish Church there , and for provision , neces - 
“ san/ utensils and ornaments , awe? defraying the incident 
u charges belonging to the said church awe? a compa¬ 
rative statement of the value of property in Barnstaple , 
iw 1709 awe? 1830 * 




£ 

s. 

d. 

. £ 

s. 

d. 

it 

Swan Inn,” (now Messrs. Trix and 








Ware's) . 

13 

13 

0 

24 

0 

0 

it 

Thomas Harris’s house,” (now Mr. 








George Hartree's). 

5 

0 

0 

17 

0 

0 

tf 

Three Tuns ”. 

6 

13 

0 

19 

0 

0 

it 

Jacob Monier, for his house/’ (Mr. 








E. Harris’s). 

5 

6 

0 

22 

0 

0 

if 

Mr. Joseph Bailer, for his own 




' 




“ house,” (Messrs. Vernon’s) . 

12 

0 

0 

30 

0 

» 

u 

Zack. Chappie, for the Broadgate,” 








(Hearsou’s Court). 

10 

0 

0 

50 

0 

9 

it 

Mr. Serjeant Hooper, for his house,” 








(now the Golden Lion) . . . 

12 

0 

0 

54 

0 

0 


* It may, perhaps, be taken for granted that houses and lands -were at 
the former period, as at present, rated below their actual value. The 
difference between the rate and the net rental is now usually about 
•no half. 






531 


1709. 1830. 




£ *. 

d. 

£ 

8. 

d. 

u 

James Herson, for his house and 







** kilns/’(Square Lime Kilns, and 







house adjoining,). 

8 0 

0 

64 

0 

0 

u 

Elizabeth Halls, for the Angel ” 

8 0 

0 

24 

0 

0 

tt 

John Parminter, for ye New Work ” 







(Quay Place) .. 

1G 0 

0 

70 

0 

0 

it 

House, late Mr. Jeffry Bagilhole’s,” 







(John Gribble’s, Esq.) . . . 

10 13 

0 

46 

0 

0 

a 

The owners of the Sheep Market," 

10 13 

0 

24 

0 

0 

it 

Mrs. Standisb, for the Castle 







" House, 5/.— James Gibbs, for 







“ ye Castle, [Hill, 4'c.] 4/.*’ . 

9 0 

0 

60 

0 

0 

it 

The Occupier of Maudlyn Rack- 



- 




“ close," . 

16 0 

0 *138 

0 

0 

a 

Occupiers of the houses in Ramallv, 







“ qy. Kara Alley,” (the ground on 







which Mr. Thomas Harris’s house 







and premises now stand,) . . 

4 0 

0 

32 

0 

0 


“ The Occupier of ye house and 
“ ground, late Mr. E. Ridge’s, in 
“ Vickaridge Lane, * (Vicarage 


Lawn,). 

12 

J3 

0 

30 

0 

0 

“ The Occupier of the house called \e 







“ Eroadgate,” (Lorering’s Court,) 

10 

0 

0 

46 

0 

0 

" Amos Cardew, for ye Falcon Inn,” 

3 

6 

0 

16 

0 

0 

“ The Occupier of Sarum, [Salem] 







u House and Gardens.” (The pro¬ 







perty of Mrs. Tinson, wholly re¬ 







built, and comprising three houses.) 

8 

0 

0 

24 

0 

0 

(t Joan Gill, for ground at Cooney 







** Causey,” (Port Marsh) . . . 

2 

10 

0 

35 

0 

0 

“ Occupier of Gooslccs,” . . . 

2 

0 

0 

11 

0 

0 


* The Land is rated at 304 A tan yard, fourteen cottages, and a 
genteel dwelling house, make up the remaining increase. 

3 u 




532 


1709. 1830. 




£ 

s. 

d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

(( 

Occupier of Maidenford/’ . . 

26 

13 

0 

48 

0 

O 

it 

Mr. Joseph Bailer, for Dawking’s 
" Park, ” ....... 

10 

0 

0 

22 

0 

O 

U 

Mr. Serjt. Hooper, for Frankmarsh,” 

58 

0 

0 

140 

0 

0 

i t 

Ditto, Holl Ground,” 

24 

0 

0 

50 

0 

0 

it 

Ditto, Holsford Marsh,” 

12 

0 

0 

45 

0 

0 

it 

Ditto, the Mill on Holsford 







a 

Marsh/' 

5 

0 

0 

8 

0 

0 

a 

The undertakers or receivers of ye 








“ Water works.”. 

10 

O 

0 

36 

0 

0 


No. of Loivest Highest 


Houses. 

Rate. 

Rate. 



L. 

s. 

L. 

s. 

High Street. . 

110 

1 

0 

17 

0 

Boutport . . 

127 

0 

13 

12 

0 

Bear Street . . 

42 

1 

0 

5 

6 

Joy Street . . 

24 

1 

13 

10 

13 

Holland Street. 

14 

1 

6 

5 

6 

Castle, Quay, and 
Cross Street 

}86 

1 

0 

12 

0 

Paige Lane . . 

6 

1 

0 

4 

0 

Potter’s Lane . 

7 

1 

13 

4 

13 

T uly Lane . . 

5 

1 

0 

3 

16 

Green Lane 

8 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Anchor Lane . 

15 

1 

6 

4 

0 

Alms Lane . . 

5 

1 

6 

2 

13 

Back Lane . . 

95 

1 

0 

3 

16 

Litchdon Causey 
and Litchdon* 

|32 

] 

0 

8 

0 

Lands, (Number 
of Parcels) . 

}76 

1 

10 

58 

0 


Whole Amount Total 
Amount, in 1830. Increase. 


L. 

s. 

i>. 

L. 

s. 

751 

7 

2416 

1664 

13 

563 

0 

2169 

1606 

0 

111 

4 

454 

342 

16 

97 

9 

380 

282 

11 

46 

11 

221 

174 

9 

468 

15 

1053 

584 

5 

12 

18 

73 

60 

2 

25 

11 

28 

2 

9 

15 

9 

46 

30 

11 

16 

5 

131 

114 

15 

35 

3 

135 

99 

17 

13 

18 

11 

0 

0 

161 

5 

896 

734 15 

75 

4 

445 

369 

16 

835 

8 

1746 

910 

12 


£ 10204 £6977 H 


* 1 anticipate the question, where was Litchdon Causey? On the S. E. 
side of what is now the Square, which was not laid out until 1730, (see 






533 


£ s. d. 

Increase of Rate on opposite page .... 6977 II 0 
Deduct Decrease on Alms Lane. 2 18 0 


£6974 13 0 

To the above increase must be added— 

Fort Hill House, rated at. 34 0 0 

Ebberly Place, deducting 7/• the probable rate 


of the land on which it is built. 140 0 0 

Derby Factory and Houses, deducting what the 

property was previously rated at .... 400 0 0 

Gammon’s Lane,. 1600 

Vicarial Tythes, . 145 0 0 

Great Farm, . 90 0 0 

Penny Halfpenny, .. 50 0 0 

JV3ill End, and Prideaax’s Quays, . , . . . 17 0 0 

Totaljncrease on the rate . £7866 13 0 


The actual improvement in the annual value of ratable 
property in the Parish for the period referred to in the fore¬ 
going’ statements, may be fairly set down at 20,000/. 


[B.] 

Extracts from oldest Parish Books ; viz.—Orders of Ves¬ 
try, Churchwarden's Accounts , and Overseer s ditto . 

1729, Oct. 5. “ Ordered that the parish of Barnstaple do 
“ join with the other parishes in the hundred of Braunton, 

p. 308 j) previous to this, the road to Litchdon was by a raised way, (se« 
p. 42,) which might be correctly termed Lichdon Causey. 












534 


“ in defendinga prosecution instituted by James Parkin, of 
“ Ufordcombe, for a pretended robbery of 60/. from bis 
“ person, within the limits of the said hundred.” 

“ Paid for 47 hedghogs, and 1 sparrow hawk, at 2 d. —8s.” 

“ Paid the Paritor for his a Tendance on Mary Priscoat, 
“ her pennance,—Is. 

“ And for the use of the sheet,—Is.” 

Charges at visitation,—2s. 6d. 

Whole expenditure this year, by the Churchwardens,— 
42/. 2s. 9 d. 

1735-6. Expenditure this year by the Churchwardens,— 
200/. 5s. Ad. 

1738- 9. Expenses for dinners,—5s. 

“ Treating the Dean Rural,—5s. 

1739- 40. “ Numbering and taking a catalogue of the 
“ Books in the library,—4s.” 

1741-2. “ Paid for Tobacco and Frankincense burnt in 

“ the Church,—2s. 6c/.” 

1746, April 27. “ Ordered that Richard Thomas, sexton 
“ of th is Parish be removed from his office, for suffering (he 
“ having the custody of the keys of the church) the bells of 
“ the church to ring two long peals at 5 o’clock and 
“ 8 o’clock in the morning, on Wednesday last, in triumph 
“ and for joy that the mobb and populace of this town and 
“ neighbourhood in great multitudes in the night before, in 
“ the night time, feloniously did break open the dwelling 
44 house of Mrs. Mary Parmiliter, and carryed away from 
“ thence 500 bushels of wheat and upwards, under pretence 
44 of preventing the exportation thereof.” 

1746-7. “ Paid for a forme of prayer to be used on the 
44 thanks giving day for the suppression [success] of the 
44 rebellion .— 1 s.” 

1747. Prices of provisions, Wheat, 8s. 6d. bushel; Beef, 
2d. Ib.; Butter, 5c/, 


535 


“ To Mr. Thos. Rowland, for returning the warrant of the 
“ state of the horned cattle, by the Mayor’s order,-2s. 6</.” 

1748. Rent of Workhouse,—5/. 

Parish Surgeon, Edwd. Houndle, for physic and surgery, 
and Midwifery, in Workhouse,—10/. per annum. 

1749. April. Wheat, 3s. \d .; Beef, 2Jc/.; Butter, \\d. 

October. Wheat, 3s. 3 d .; Beef, 2 d .; Butter, 4c/. 

An Almanack,—6c/. 

1750. “ Paid a quarter’s sallery to John Squier, Rout 
“ Beggar, for doing nothing .” 

April. Wheat, 3s. 6c/.; Beef, 2JcZ.; Butter, 4c/. 

October. Wheat, 3s. 6c/.; Beef, 2c/.; Butter, 4c/. 

1751. Parish Surgeon’s salary,—5/. 

April. Wheat, 3s.; Beef, 2c/.; Butter, 4c/. 

October. Wheat, 4s. 5c/.; Beef, 2c/.; Butter, 4c/. 

1752. April. Wheat, 4s. 8c/.; Beef, 2Jc/.; Butter, 6c/. 

July 10. u Paid for frankincence, senemon, and charcole, 

“ — 3|cZ.” 

1755, April 1. “ Ordered that a new watter engine for 
“ extinguishing fire be bought.” 

1756, Nov. 10. “ Ordered that the person or persons who 
“ pulled down the window in north isle, do forthwith repair 
“ and put up such window, or they will be prosecuted at 
“ the expense of the parish.”—Signed by Mary Parminter, 
and Mary Bagilholl. 

1757, April.. Wheat, 9s.; Beef, 2|c/.; Butter, 5c/. 

October. Wheat, 4s. 6c/.; Beef. 2 id.; Butter, 4f. 

1758, April. Wheat, 4s. 7 d ,; Beef, 3c?.; Butter, 5£r/. 

u Extraordinaries.—June 30, Ale in two days, about get- 
“ ting Charles Short and May married,—Is.” 

« July 7. Paid for marrying Charles Griffey to Mary May, 
“ (Griffey belongs to Clovelley,)— 21. 2s. 

March 1. “ Ordered that all woollen manufacturers 
“ paying their men in goods or by way of truck, bill, 


536 

“ or note, or in any other manner than money,” be prose- 
“ cuted by the parish. 

October. Wheat, 3s. lid.; Beef, 3d .; Butter, 5c/. ; “ half 
* “ a gill of Wine, \\d” 

1759, Jan. 26. « Ordered that a suitable entertainment 
“ be prepared at the cost of the Parish for the Rt. Rev. the 
“ Bishop of Ferns and Leighlie and his attendants, who is 
“ expected at this Town about 20th of February next, to 
“ consecrate a plot of ground for an additional burying 
u place.” (“ A piece of waste ground at the east end of 
“ the free school,” purchased in June, 1758, for 21/.) 

April. Wheat, 4s.; Beef, 3d.; Butter, 4£c/. 

October. Wheat, 3*. 5 d .; Beef, 2f d .; Butter, 4J d. 

1760, April. Wheat, 4$. Gc/.; Beef, 3c?.; Butter, 5| d. 

October. Wheat, 4.?. 6c/.; Beef, 2\d .; Butter, 5c/. 

1762-3. “ To Journeys Ct, in acct. of Memorial,— 1/, Js.” 

“ The Sexton’s Bill, and for talcing the Havannah, — 

“ 21. 5s. 10c/. ” 

1764-5.—“ Paid for a Bottle of Madeira for the Bishop,— 
“ 2s. 6c/.” 

“ Paid Mr. Crang, for the Angells,— 61. 6s.” 

“ 1773, May 4. “ To so much expense with the Dean 
“ Ruler ,—6s.” 

1778, March 25.—“ Expences on Account of the Poor 
“ this year so excessively great, that 85 rates will be hardly 
“ sufficient to defray them.” A Committee appointed to 
examine into the Overseer’s proceedings. 

Dec. 16. “ Ordered that a Faculty be applied for, to 
“ remove the Pay Table from where it now stands in the 
“ Church into the South Aisle.” 

1782, April 20. Thomas Heath appointed sole Overseer 
of the poor at 20/. per annum, and the benefit of the labour 
of the poor in the workhouse. 


537 


[C.] 

Exon Diocese , Barnstaple Deanry.—A Terrier* 
of the Mansion House , Outhouses , and Gardens , awe? 0 / 
sMc/i Tythes and Profits as belong unto the Vicarage of 
Barnstaple , wiadfe awd drawn according to the directions 
of the Right Reverend Father in God , Stephen Lord 
Bishop of Exon , delivered at his Primary Visitation 
holden at Barnstaple , September 2nd , 1726. 


Vicarage House, Outhouses, and Gardens.— The Vi¬ 
cerage House, whereof one half is double roofed and two 
stories in height, containing eight bays of building, is built 
with stone and mud walls rough casted, excepting the porch 
in the front which is built with brick ; the whole house is 
covered with Cornish slates; the number of rooms above and 
below are thirteen ; the kitchen, pantry, and hall are floored 
with lime ashes, the parlour and chambers with deal; and 
the two cellars are pitched with small stones. All the rooms 
above and below are ceiled, and none wainscuated, except 
one side of the hall, kitchen, and pantry. 

Outhouses. —The Outhouses are a brewhouse, linny, and 
stable with reed, containing four bays of building all pitched 
with small stones, but the brewhouse and linny are covered 
with Cornish slates. 

Gardens. —Before the Vicarage towards the south are 
two gardens containing nine perches and half; behind the 
house towards the north are two courts pitched with small 
stones, containing five perches ; on the outside of the courts 

* Teriar or Terrier, a Land Roll or Survey of Lands, &c. In the 
Exchequer, there is a Terrier of all the Glebe Lands in England, made 
about 11 Edw. Ill .—Tomlin’s Law Dictionary . 




538 


is a garden planted with fruit trees, bounded on the east 
and north by a rack field, and fenced with elm hedges, and 
a large ditch on the outside, belonging to the garden; on 
the west it is bounded with the brewhouse and a mud wall 
commonly called a cob wall, and on the south with a brick 
and mud wall which parts the two courts from the garden ; 
the garden, exclusive of the hedge and ditch, contains half 
an acre and nine perches; there is no other glebe besides 
the church yard, in which there are nine elm trees. 

Gifts or Bequests, and Pensions. —Mistris Martin, of 
Barnstaple, widow, gave in her last will in these words 
“ 1 give and bequeath to the Minister of the parish of Barn- 
“ staple the summ of five pounds yearly, the better to 
“ encourage him to the use and exercise of the necessary 
“ duty of catechizing of youth in his parish.” Mr. John 
Symons, of Barnstaple, merchant, gave by will a brass 
sconce to the Church of Barnstaple. 

Pension. —The Incumbent pays five pounds yearly to the 
Patron of the Vicarage. 

Surplice Fees.— The Surplice Fees by custom immemo¬ 
rial are as follow, viz. For a marriage with banns, two 
shillings and sixpence; with a licence, five shillings ; for 
churching a woman, one shilling; for a funeral, one shilling ; 
and for reading the service in the Church before the inter¬ 
ment of the corpse, five shillings; for a common grave in the 
chancel, ten shillings; for a walled one, commonly called a 
sepulchre, three pounds, and every time it is opened for the 
interment of a corps, ten shillings; and for a sepulchre in 
the church yard, twenty shillings* Two pence becomes due 
at Easter for an offering from every person who is above 
sixteen years of age. 

Tithes. —All manner of tithes (corn only excepted) are 
due to the Vicar in kind, no prescriptions either real or 
intended. 


539 


Furniture of the Church. —In the steeple are five 
bells, a clock and chimes; in the church a font of stone 
with a carved wooden cover, a pulpit of carved and painted 
wood, with a crimson velvet cushion, and a reading pew 
with a desk, covered with green plush; two bibles, of the 
largest volume and last translation, one bound in two 
volumes, in red turkey leather; in the body of the church 
is a large brass sconce, and two brass candlesticks, one at 
each end of the reading desk; in the chancel, is a commu¬ 
nion table, covered with a crimson velvet carpet, and upon 
it a common prayer book bound in red turkey leather ; the 
communion plate consists of two silver flaggons, weighing’ 
ninety one ounces and a quarter, with this inscription on 
each of them. “ The purchase of the town and parish, 1084, 
“ John Boyse, vicar, James Kimpland, jun. Christopher 
“ Hunt, churchwardens;” two silver chalices, with covers 
gilt, weighing forty six ounces, and two silver pattins, 
weighing fifteen ounces and eight pennyweights. 

Repairs of the Church ant> Chancel.— The church, 
and the north and south parts of the chancel, are repaired at 
the sole charge of the parish. The parishioners out of 
respect and regard for their minister, have been pleased for 
a course of many years to repair likew ise his part of the 
chancel. The church yard fence is repaired by the own¬ 
ers of the houses and garden walls, which make the fence of 
the church yard. 

Clerk and Sextons. —The customary salary of the clerk 
is five pounds per ann. ; the head sextons, four pounds per 
ann.; and the under sextons, forty shillings per ann. ; their 
salaries are paid by the churchwardens; the clerk is 
appointed by the incumbent, and the sextons by the church¬ 
wardens. 


3 x 


540 


Signed by the vicar, churchwardens, and other substantial 
inhabitants, the fifteenth day of May, ann. dom. 1727. 


Samuel Thomson, Vicar, 



Churchwardens, 


John Webber, Alderman, 
Philip Bowden, Clerk, 
Robert Tristram, 

J. Parmtnter, 

Benja. Baller, Jun. 
Charles Wright, 

Willm. Fairchild, 

Peter L’Oiseau. 


Memorandum.— That in the year 1736 some of the elm 
trees in the church yard were blown down by a violent 
storm, the rest were rooted up, and ten young ones planted 
in their room, by 


Thomas Steed, Vicar. 


Barnstaple, 4th April, 1804, 
Compared with the original Terrier. 


Henry Gribble, Churchwarden. 


511 


CHAPTER VI. 

Manufactures and Commerce - Markets and Fairs—River 
and Quays—Queen Anne’s Walk—Bridges—Infirmary - 
Guildhall—Prison and Bridewell—Theatre—Assembly 
Rooms—Freemasons — Mechanic’s Institute — Annuitant 
Societies —Benefit Clubs—Friendly Institution and Sav¬ 
ings Bank—Roads and Walks—Water Works — Inns, 
Coaches, Waggons, and Vans—Appendix, 


MANUFACTURES AND COMMERCE. 

Statistical writers who have noticed Barnstaple, 
almost universally concur in describing* it as having- 
been a considerable manufacturing town for woollens, 
at a very early period ; but I have not been able to 
obtain any records by which to fix the time when our 
ancestors first engaged in the trade, or to what extent 
they carried it in ancient days. 

1 find however a reference to the time of Edward IE 
of a nature which warrants the conclusion that this 
branch of manufacture then flourished here. “ 2nd 
“ Edward II. [1308] Mayor and Burgesses petitioned 
“ the Lord Treasurer, to have the custom on narrow 
“ cloth, imposed 28 Edward I., taken off'/’ This 
effort to have the duty removed would hardly have been 
made, had not the impost immediately, and in some 




542 


considerable degree, affected the interests of the town. 
The appeal was successful, the “ custom ” having 
been taken off in the same year. 

Fassing by the many historical notices alluded to, 
which, whilst they afford fair presumptive evidence 
that the woollen trade was a staple here for several 
centuries, to go no farther, and merely remarking by 
the way that weavers and tuckers appear to have been 
numerous here about 1630, we descend at once from 
the commencement of the fourteenth to the beginning 
of the eighteenth century, at which time the manu¬ 
facture was certainly carried on to a very considerable 
extent, so as to furnish employment to many hundreds 
of persons in the town and neighbourhood. 

The quantity of wool imported from Ireland, 
amounting in 1727-8, to upwards of three hundred 
tons, (see Appendix [A] to this chapter) added to the 
produce of the extensive home-district, of which Barn¬ 
staple was the only mart, is of itself sufficient to shew 
that the trade was then very flourishing. The earliest 
period respecting which 1 am enabled to enter most 
fully into detail, is that from 1760 to the decline of the 
trade, which commenced according to the best infor¬ 
mation I have been able to procure, about the year 
1771. The descriptions of goods then manufactured, 
were termed duroys, tammies, serges, shaloons, baizes, 
Barnstaple stuffs, (an article similar to what are now 
termed merinos,) flannels, plushes, webbs, (wove in 
coloured stripes, and used for waistcoats, &c.) and 
everlastings. I am informed by an individual who 
had the best means of forming an estimate, that there 



543 


were in the town only at this time a hundred combers ; 
these in their ordinary work would “ double-comb 33 
about two tons of wool weekly. Almost every poor 
person’s house had a loom in it, notwithstanding* 
which, manufacturers being unable to get sufficient 
work done at home, had what was termed spinning- 
houses, many of them twelve miles from the town, 
where they at stated times or by an agent on the spot 
gave and received work from persons engaged by them 
in that neighbourhood. Three dye houses were kept 
at work. Considerable quantities of the different sorts 
of goods, were exported to America, and other foreign 
parts. Large sales were also made at home, particu¬ 
larly in Bristol and Exeter, both at the fairs, and by 
orders received from these cities. An idea may be 
formed of the extent of business transacted at Bristol, by 
mention of the fact, that on one occasion a manufac¬ 
turer considered he had had “ a good fair ” when he 
had a hundred pieces (about 5,000 yards) of baize 
left on hand. What remained unsold was always left 
in the hands of a factor. 

Independent however of the extensive trade that was 
carried on in piece goods, considerable business was 
done, in what was technically termed chains, (the 
warp or longitudinal threads of the cloth prepared for 
being wove,) large quantities of which were sent to 
Exeter, and many other places. The check which 
this then lucrative trade experienced in 1771, arose 
out of causes not now to be easily defined, but the 
American war had doubtless a very injurious effect 
upon it subsequently. 


544 


In 1774, a bold and fur a time successful attempt 
was made to revive the woollen business, and also to 
introduce the manufacture of cotton goods. Two 
extensive mills were erected about half a mile from the 
town, and brought info operation on a scale sufficiently 
large to furnish employ to a thousand persons, inclu¬ 
ding ninety wool-combers. The demand for our 
country wool became so great, (as I have been inform- 
by a gentleman who was a partner in the concern at 
the time of its being given up,) that it advanced from 
6c/. to 1 Od. per pound. A great part of the business 
done here, was in the fabric of chains ; woollen cloths, 
calicoes, and “ Rawleigh flannels,” were made to a 
great extent ; the last named article was formed of a 
cotton chain with a weft of woollen. A number of cotton 
spinning machines were also employed. Things (as I 
learn from the authority above alluded to) went on 
very briskly here until after the breaking out of the war 
which succeeded the French revolution, (1793,) when 
it declined very materially. In 1795, afire, supposed 
to have been the work of an incendiary, consumed the 
cotton mill, with its machinery, and the concern was 
abandoned. 

Subsequent to 1760, some considerable quantities of 
flannels and serges were sold to the East India Com¬ 
pany, but this is no longer the case, and the woollen 
trade formerly so extensive, is now confined to a single 
manufacturer, who makes the following description of 
goods, principally for exportation,—blankets, blan¬ 
ketings, swanskins, plains, coal pits, and serges. 

A manufactory of cotton hose was commenced in 


545 


1796, but it ceased on the demise of the projector, in 
about twenty years. It has since been revived, and 
continues at present, but on a very small scale. 

In 1821, the building which remained uninjured at 
Rawleigh, was taken by some gentlemen from Not¬ 
tingham and Derby, and converted into a manufactory 
for bobbin net, which has since been carried on in an 
extensive way. 

A dissolution of partnership took place amongst the 
proprietors of this concern in about four years from its 
commencement, which led to the establishment of a new 
one in Vicarage Lane, (see plan of the town.) The whole 
of the machinery is here propelled by steam, for which 
purpose an engine of sixteen horse power is employed. 

The individual who set this manufactory on foot 
having also one at Derby, this, and the little town 
which has sprung up around it has received that appel¬ 
lation. 

In 1825, an enterprising and ingenious person, who 
was employed at Rawleigh and had a principal share 
in the superintendance of the machinery there, erected 
a mill adjoining the London road, less than a quarter 
of a mile from the town. This is also worked by a 
steam engine, of eight horse power. 

Thus were three lace manufactories, a branch of 
trade wholly new to the town, set at work here in the 
short period of five years ;* they now furnish employ¬ 
ment to upwards of one thousand persons. 


* I should perhaps state, that the first and last mentioned of 
these are both without the parish, (each on the margin of a stream 


540 


One of the proprietors of that last noticed, has an 
establishment in the town, where worked-lace dresses, 
veils, &c. are prepared, and rnay be had at prices far 
below what is commonly paid for articles of a similar 
fabric. 

In 1822, partly as a consequence of the lace trade 
having commenced here, the “ Barnstaple Iron Foun- 
“ dry ” was established (by the writer, but passed into 
other hands in 1827); it has proved a great accommo¬ 
dation to the town and neighbonrhood, there being no 
other within thirty miles of this place, and not one 
nearer than Bristol, from whence goods can be pro¬ 
cured otherwise than by land carriage. 

The manufacture of a coarse but very useful descrip¬ 
tion of earthenware has long been in operation, (one 
of the Corporation Bye Laws framed in 1689, has 
reference to potters;) the clay from which it is made is 
dug in the parish of Fremington, about three miles 

which separates this from the adjoining one,) but being so near the 
town, and benefitting as they do very materially its trade, they 
may, I conceive, with strict propriety be designated Barnstaple 
Manufactories. 

I am here reminded of my having omitted to state the extent of 
the parish ; it being now too late to do this in its proper place, I 
crave leave to do it here. The parochial boundaries are,—on the 
south, the Taw; north and north west, the Yeo, dividing Barn¬ 
staple from Pilton at the bridges which connect the parishes; 
eastward, by a stone on the road to Goodleigh, near Ycotown Lodge, 
distant about mile; and to Maidenford Bridge, about the same 
distance; south east, by “ Cooney Gut,” a quarter of a mile on 
the Loudon road, and which runs between Barnstaple and the 
pleasant village of Newport. 


547 


from hence. Numerous potteries in the neighbour¬ 
hood are supplied from this “ clay-pit,” the only one 
hereabout, and considerable quantities of the wares 
manufactured from it are exported coastwise. 

The testimony of historians (two of them at least) 
as it respects the Commerce of Barnstaple in former 
times, comes in such a tangible shape, that it may 
fairly be allowed to have some weight in the scale of 
evidence respecting it. 

Risdon, who resided but a few miles distant, must 
be presumed to have made himself well acquainted 
with the state of things here; and Camden,, whose 
work was the result of an actual survey, has a just 
claim to be considered as having made a true report; 
(for the evidence of these writers, see p. 37.) We may 
however glance at a period long antecedent to that 
spoken of by either of these venerable chroniclers. 
We have seen (p. 431) that Barnstaple was a port of 
some note in the reign of Edward 111., from which, 
and the fair proof afforded us that the woollen manu¬ 
facture was in operation here in the reign of Edward 
11., we may reasonably infer, that this was not only a 
maritime but a commercial port, in the fourteenth 
century. The Custom House records (to which I 
have been indulged with free access) have not, unfor¬ 
tunately, been preserved from an earlier date than 
1727, and that only of the imports ;* of these the 

* The exports, the earliest statement of which refers to 1742, 
were principally to Newfoundland, but occasionally to New Eng¬ 
land, Portugal, Spain, &c. The following may be taken as a 
sample of a consignment to Newfoundland. Feb. 1742.— 

3 Y 


548 


statement given at appendix [A], embraces the account 
for the first two years,, 1727-8. The duties then 
payable on these goods, tobacco only excepted, were 
comparatively trifling. The imposts accruing to 
importations in 1728, (the first year for which the 
amount can be ascertained) reached to 27,923/. 1 s. 7d. 
of which 26,244Z. 5 s. 2d. was for tobacco; in the 
following year, the gross sum was 30,507/. 1 85 . 5c/ , 
that for tobacco being 28,525/. 125. 11 d. We must 
not however suppose that the enormous quantity of 
this narcotic was all manufactured here for con¬ 
sumption ; bonds were given for by far the larger 
part of the duties, and the great bulk of the article, 
as appears from the small proportions subsequently 
paid on the different bonds, was exported; much of 
it probably for the purpose of being landed on differ¬ 
ent parts of the coast, as contraband.* From some 

“ *26 Trusses Narrow German Linen. 

“ 15 Pieces British made Sail Cloth. 

“ 5 Packs containing Barutn Bnycs.fBaize] Kerseys, and Coarse 
“ Cloths. 

“ 1 Puncheon, containing Manchester Linens, and Men’s Woollen 
“ Stockings. 

“10 Pieces coloured BroadCloths. 

“ 10 Packs containing Hugs. 

“ 2 Casks Pewter, wrought. 

“ 1 Pack Woollen Caps. 

“ 60 Bozen Cod Lines, in a cask. 

" And provisions as per Viet. Bill.” 

* Smuggling was certainly carried on to a great extent in this 
article, and in many ways. I find “ further entries ” (of goods 
contained in the vessel over and above what the master had sworn 


549 


now unassignable cause, the importation of tobacco 
did not continue long after this period, and the receipts 
of the port for 1734, were but 935/. 3s. 6±d .; and 
for 1739, 972/. 17s. l£cZ. The duty on coals has 
of late years amounted to nearly 3000/. per annum, 
but up to 1822 scarcely any other dues were received 
but for this article and timber. 

The year last mentioned introduces us to an impor¬ 
tant era in the commercial history of Barnstaple, being 
the first of the establishment of warehouses, usually 
termed Bonded Warehouses,* for the reception of 
foreign produce, on which duties are payable. This 
important advantage, which has greatly contributed to 
the increase of our trade, was obtained at the different 
periods, and for the various descriptions of merchan¬ 
dize specified below:— 

Wine and Spirits, .June 3, 1822 

Rum, . ..30th December, 18*22 

on making his first report to be the whole contents of the cargo) 
made in one quarter, (by “ G. Buck and Sons ”) of parcels of 
tobacco from three cargoes, amounting in all to “ 96,000 lbs.” 
the whole of which was no doubt intended to have been smuggled 
ashore, had opportunities offered for the purpose. 

* Previous to 27th George Ilf., Merchants on giving bonds to 
government for the payment of duties accruing from such goods as 
they might import, were allowed to take the articles into their own 
warehouses, but by an act passed in that year, this system was 
superseded by the present one of placing goods in cellars or buil¬ 
dings set apart for the purpose, on which the owner and the 
King’s officers each place a lock. Up to 1825 the Customs and 
Excise had both a share in th» management of such establish¬ 
ments, it is now vested in the Customs only. 




. 550 


Sugar, Molasses, Mahogany, &c. &c. 24th Sept., 1823 

All other goods, except Tobacco, East India 
goods, &c. ........ February, 1828 

(See copies of the several warrants under their 
respective dates in appendix [B] to this chapter.) 

No time was lost in making a practical use of the 
benefits thus obtained; * a building was speedily 
erected, agreeable to the required regulations, for the 
joint benefit of all the houses then carrying on the 
wdne and spirit trade, and was first used in Novem¬ 
ber, 1822. Two years subsequent to this, Messrs. 
Cotton and Sons, (who, it is but fair to say, were the 
first to propose an application to government for the 
extension of the bonding system to this port,) built a 
warehouse for their own separate use ; since which, a 
third, and the most extensive, has been fitted up by 
Messrs. Nickols and Company, but this is, in confor¬ 
mity with the stipulation expressed in warraut No. 4, 
open to all who may choose to avail themselves of the 
accommodation it offers. 

The beneficial effects of this trade-encouraging system 
being extended to Barnstaple, are fully apparent; we 
have again a foreign trade, and one which though as 
yet but small, bids fair to increase. 

We import goods from the Baltic, France, Spain, 
Portugal, the Azores, and North America. 

The following comparative statement from the latest 


* With an exception as it respects Timber, no description of 
which has yet been placed under bond, although a good deal is im¬ 
ported yearly from our North American Colonies. 



551 


official return of the amount of customs received at 
the different ports, reports favourably of ours:— 

Year ending January 5th, 1830.— Barnstaple, 
12,963/.; Bideford, (also a bonded port,) 5,925/.; 
Ilfracombe, 940/. 

By the accounts just made up at our Custom House, 
I find the receipts up to January 5th, 1831, to have 
been 13,557/. Os. 4c?. shewing an increase in the past 
year of 594/. Appendix [C] enumerates the quan¬ 
tities of the different articles on which duties have been 
paid during the year. 

The Custom House, which until lately was inconve¬ 
nient and altogether unsuitable for the transaction of 
public business, became by purchase the property of 
the present collector, E. R. Roberts, Esq. who in 
1825, rebuilt and fitted it up in a manner every way 
appropriate. 

The Customs establishment comprises eight officers, 
and is conducted at an expense of about 900/. per 
annum. 

The limits of the Port of Barnstaple were laid down 
and clearly defined by a commission appointed 29th 
Charles II. and remained undisturbed until about 
twenty years since, when on the petition of the inha¬ 
bitants of Appledore to the Lords of the Treasury, 
stating the inconvenience arising from that creek being 
attached to the Port of Barnstaple, and praying redress, 
it was annexed to that of Bideford, and the bounda¬ 
ries of the respective harbours underwent a material 
alteration. Extracts from official documents relative to 
this Port at both the above periods are inserted in 


552 


Appendix [D], as are also some statements relative to 
the port, shipping, &c. extracted from Macpherson’s 

Annals of Commerce. ” 

Newspapers stand so intimately connected with the 
subject of commerce, and lend such powerful and 
efficient aid to its operations, that I may very properly 
notice under this head the establishment of The 
North Devon Journal, the first number of which 
appeared on Friday, July 2nd, 1824. In about twelve 
months from its commencement, is was followed by a 
second paper, The Barnstaple Herald, set up for 
the express purpose of opposing the first, but which 
soon met with the fate it deserved, in being discon¬ 
tinued after a publication of fifty-two numbers ; it had 
never any chance of success. The Journal success¬ 
fully, though silently, combatted the opposition, and 
established itself on a firm basis. It is now published 
on Thursday mornings, early enough for dispatch by 
that day’s mail, and is consequently received in Lon¬ 
don by Friday’s post. The paper is, and has always 
been, conducted in a spirited manner, and does not 
rank among the least advantages of which Barnstaple 
has to boast. 


RIVER AND QUAYS. 

The River Taw , which adds so greatly to the ap¬ 
pearance, wealth, and salubrity of our town, has its 
source on the lofty and desolate region of Dartmoor ; 
from whence it runs northward in the direction, of 
Chulmleigh; then, changing its course, it winds its 


553 


devious track westward, towards the lovely vale of 
Tawton, in passing through which it comes close in 
view of the elegant and sweetly-situate mansion of Sir 
Bourchier Palk Wrey, Bart, and thence flows on to 
Barnstaple. Here, in constant and beautiful exemplifica¬ 
tion ot the power and wisdom of the Creator, it is seen 
“ ever and anon ” to rise and swell, bearing on its 
bosom many a goodly bark, which, before motionless, 
we now behold, as if endowed with animation, 
gliding swiftly onward toward the " Severn Sea,”— 
but I am digressing. 

The river which at New Bridge, three miles distant, 
is crossed by a bridge of three arches, widens consider¬ 
ably as it approaches the town, and still more so after 
passing it. The flow of water at the highest tide of an 
ordinary spring, is ten feet, but it frequently rises 
to thirteen feet; and when it happens that a high 
spring is accompanied by a south west wind, it reaches 
to sixteen or eighteen feet; when this occurs, most of 
the houses on the Quay and in the Cattle Market are 
inundated ; but as the inhabitants are generally aware 
of what is to take place, but little inconvenience is felt, 
particularly as the unwelcome visitant so soon retires.* 

* I am not aware of more than one instance having been record¬ 
ed in which any serious damage has happened from the overflow of 
the river, this occurred upwards of two centuries ago, a tempestu¬ 
ous wind was its powerful auxiliary in accomplishing the havoc that 
was made. “ The 20th daye of Janiarij, 1606, there was suche a 
“ mightie storme and tempeste from the river of Barnistaple, 
“ wh the comminge of the tyde, that yt caused much lose of goods 
“ and howses to the vallow of some thousaud pouuds, besyde the 


554 


The bed of the river is composed chiefly of sand, 
which prevails to a great depth,* and is constantly 
varying its position according as what is termed the 
fresh (the land water) is high or low. When the 
former is the case, the river deepens on the south side; 
when the contrary happens, the greater depth is on the 
north side. 

There is sufficient water at the Quays on spring 
tides for vessels of 100 tons burden, and four miles 
down for ships carrying 200 tons. In the “ Pool ” 
formed by the confluence of the Taw and Torridge, a 
ship of war may lie afloat at low water. On the Bar, 
which lies three miles from the mouth of the former 
river, the tide rises thirty feet and upwards. 

This immense accumulation of sand, on which at 
times the surf breaks with irresistible violence, has 
proved fatal to many a gallant vessel, but the danger 
which used to attend the passage by persons unac- 

“ death of one James ffrost, a toaker, and some of his children, 
41 ye which his howse fell down upon them & killed them, this 
<( storme begane at 3 of Clocke in the morninge, and continewed 
4t tyll J2 of Clock of the same daye .”—Parish Register. 

Wyot, who gives a long account of the same occurrence, (but 
under an uncertain date,) says, the water was “ by report higher by 
“ v or vi foote than ever remembered by those now lyvinge,” that 
“ it cast down divers walls in Litchdon, hurted all the walls on the 
“ Kay next the river, &c. 

* The remains of a vessel, supposed to have been about 100 tons, 
lies imbedded in a part of the river called Black Hedge; her 
timbers may sometimes be seen at low water, but all knowledge 
as to how or when the wrec k took place is “ beyond the memory 
“ of man.” 


555 


V ^ 

quainted with the direction of the channel through it, 
has been of late materially lessened by the erection of 
two light houses, on Braun ton Sands. 

The Yeo , the little Yeaw ”* must not be wholly 
passed over. This stream, which rises about eight 
miles northward of the town, forms one of the most 
prominent objects of attraction from the late splendid, 
but now desolate and forsaken mansion of Yeotown. 
It answers however a far more beneficial purpose ; seve¬ 
ral water wheels are put in motion by it, among which 
may be mentioned that which propels the powerful 
machinery at Rawleigh. The last service of this kind 
which it performs, is that of setting at work Port Mill, 
which, by the way, is, without doubt, the same as is 
mentioned in Domesday, as having belonged to the 
Bishop of Constance, (see page 55.) 

Quays .—We look in vain for the “ wharff or key, 
iC conteynynge in length fyve hundred yardes and 
“ more,” alledged in 1555 to have been built ;f (see 
page 266 ;) the present quays, as will be seen, occupy 
but a small portion of this space. 

The legal quays were recognized by the Commission 
already alluded to, to be “ that open place commonly 
“ called the Key of Barnstaple,” (now known as the 
Great Quay ,) to which there belongeth two slips, 
containing from north to south, from the merchant’s 
“ walk unto the north wall of the house called the 

* Risdon. • 

t Where was it built? It could only have been from the Bridge 
westward, but the utmost exteut in that direction, namely, to the 
extremity of the Castle Quay, is less than 1,100 feet. 

3 z 


556 


ff New Work, in length towards the river Tawe, two 
<r hundred and seven foot, or thereabouts; and in 
“ breadth from the key head where the crane standeth, 
“ near the merchant’s walk aforesaid, unto the walk 
“ [wall] of the Key Hall, ninety-three foot or there- 
“ abouts ; and from the bottom of the slip adjoining 
“ to the north wall of the New Work aforesaid, in 
“ breadth ninety-three foot, or thereabouts; and from 
“ the middle of the key to the Custom House, four 
€t foot, or thereabouts. Also, one other open place or 
<f Key [Little Quay'] at Barnstaple aforesaid, betwixt 
the south wall of the New Work aforesaid, and the 
“ north wall of the house called the Royal Oak, 
(t whereunto belongeth one slip, containing in length 
i( from one wail to the other towards the river Tawe 
“ aforesaid, one hundred and five foot; and from the 
“ bottom of the slip, in breadth ninety-three foot ; 
“ and from the middle of the key and north end 
i( thereof, in breadth each forty-five foot, or there- 
“ abouts.”* 

Besides these, there are two others, namely, the 
Castle or Prideaux’s Quay, and Mill-end originally 
termed Union Quay, situate at opposite extremities of 
the North Walk, both of which the corporation claim 
and use as private property. 

The lineal extent of the two authorised quays as 
described above, is 312 feet, being all that is available 
to the public]* out of the 1,500 feet quay said to have 

* Instovv Quay is also by the same authority declared to he a 
legal or licensed Quay, and to belong to the Port of Barnstaple, 
t A few feet of each of the others only excepted, which can only 


557 


been erected in the reign of Philip and Mary, the 
remaining space from the bridge to the North Walk 
being all covered by buildings, principally if not 
wholly the property of the corporation. 

In illustration of the remark made at page 287, as 
to the insufficiency of the accommodation for shipping 
at the quays, ] may instance that vessels are not unfre- 
quently obliged to lie three abreast, and to discharge 
in that situation. The centre slip formed at the Great 
Quay a few years since, was certainly a great improve¬ 
ment, but did not supply the want of room to a suffi¬ 
cient extent. How far the corporation have a right to 
appropriate either of the quays as private property, is 
a question that has long been agitated, and which is 
now likely to be at no distant period set at rest, as may 
be seen from what follows. 

Subsequent to the erection of the Bridge which con¬ 
nects Mill-end Quay with the new Braunton Road, a 
demand was made by the Corporation on the Trustees 
of that turnpike of 80/. for such part of the quay and 
North Walk as would be required for the purposes of 
the road, which was agreed to be paid them. The 
trustees offered this money under an impression that it 
was to be applied towards the removal of a part of the 
Mermaid Inn, so as to render the approach from the 
Braunton road to High Street uninterrupted, and 
therefore made this a condition of the payment. Some 
misunderstanding took place, which caused the corpo- 

be used by sufferance, and which arc scarcely ever resorted to 
by vessels. 


558 


ration to rescind their proposal of receiving 80/., at the 
same time hinting that the Braunton trustees were at 
their mercy, having no power to enter the town with¬ 
out their permission. 

This caused the trustees to pass a vote ct that the 
u solicitor to this trust do state a case for the opinion 
“ of counsel, respecting the right claimed by the cor- 

poration to Mill-end Quay.” 

The counsel consulted, (Mr. Bayly,) says, “ I am of 
“ opinion, that the corporation have not the exclusive 
“ right to the Mill-end Quay into the North Walk, 
“ but as Lords of the Manor the soil is their’s, subject 
“ to the right of the public to pass over it as they have 
<f been accustomed.” 

The learned gentleman advised some recompence to 
be made for the land that might be required; but before 
the suggestion was acted on, the turnpike trust pro¬ 
cured a second opinion from Mr. Bayly, who says, 
“ when I recommended to the trustees to tender a 
<f sufficient compensation for the land that would be 
ct required, I of course only meant such a compensa- 
“ tion as the owners of the land so circumstanced 
“ would be entitled to, for such their interest in it so 
“ subject; not the full value which the land would be 
“ of to a person who held the entire property in it, 
“ unaffected by any such rights, might have made of 
“ it by selling it for building, or keeping it for that 
“ purpose; but only the value of land which the 
“ proprietor coidd not inclose , or build upon , but 
“ when the buildings he might erect would be liable 
“ to be pulled down the next moment .” 


559 


The trustees now made an offer of 10/. to the cor¬ 
poration, which they rejected, but proposed to settle 
the matter in an amicable manner by arbitration. 
Attempts have been made to accomplish this, which 
have hitherto failed, and the matter is still at issue. 

Previous to this affair taking place, the corporation 
had leased the greater part of the quay, on which to 
tlte great detriment of the North Walk, the lessee had 
erected a dwelling house, to which probably Mr. 
Bayly alluded in his opinion. A question seems natu¬ 
rally to arise out of this subject,—can we believe that 
the corporation, on learning what Mr. Bayly thought of 
their claim to the property in question, did not also 
consult counsel ? If they did, they have never promul¬ 
gated the result; what is the inference? 

Quay Dues. —1 am in possession of copies of three 
different tables of these; the oldest was drawn 
up in 1679 ; a transcript of this is given at Appendix 
[E]. It will be found to differ but little from the list 
at present acted upon. These dues appear to have 
been originally a prescriptive right, but since con¬ 
firmed by charter, though not particularly specified.* 

* I ought perhaps to notice that the term Lathstedes (see 
page 420) has been understood by some persons to mean Quay 
Dues; it is however far more probable that lastage was intended 
by it.* These dues must have been by far too valuable to have 
been included either in the purchase of the manor from Mr. Marrow 
by Sir John Chichester, or in the sale by that gentleman to the 
Corporation. 

* Lastage, customs in some markets and fairs for carrying things , also, 
a duty paid for wares sold by the last; also, the ballast of a ship.-^«i%. 


560 


There are not wanting persons to complain of the 
payment of the impost as a hardship, but certainly on 
very weak grounds. That the conservators of the town 
property should be empowered to demand and receive 
such a toll, is certainly most reasonable, and that the 
scale at which they are fixed is moderate, must be 
acknowledged.* 

On the west side of the principal quay stands 

QUEEN ANNE’S WALK, 

of which a representation is given with the plan of 
the town. It is said to have been built in that Queen’s 
reign for an exchange, but it was certainly a Mer- 
“ chant’s Walk” at least as early as the time of Charles 
II. (see page 555 ;) it might have been a walk only, 
and was probably inclosed and covered at the period 
above alluded to; it is in length 67 feet, and nearly 12 
in breadth. It is ornamented with various heraldic 
designs, said to be the armorial bearings of individuals 
who contributed to its erection. Under the rojal 
statue is inscribed 


ANNA 

Intemerafae Fidei Testimonium 
Roberti Rolle, de Stevenstone, 

In Agro Devoniensi Armigeri. 

And on two tablets at the end of the piazza, as follows, 

Haec Porticus Corporis Politici de Barum 
Sumptibus restaurator est. 

Opu* tam decorum et utile munificentia 
promoverunt ideinq: suis insigniis 


561 


ornarunt viri ipsi ornatissimi 
et honorabiles. 

JEfficiencIum curavit 
Robertus Incledon generosus 
Oppidi Prsefectus 
Anno Christo 

. MDCCXIII. 

The walk was rebuilt by the Corporation, 1798.” 

BRIDGES. 

Barnstaple , or The Long Bridge .—As it was not 
known three centuries ago who “ made the right great 
“ and sumeptus bridge at Berstaple,” (see page 36.) 
it will be vain now to enquire who was its founder ; 
it is, however, but of little importance for us to know 
whether we are indebted for the accommodation the 
structure affords us, to “ one of the Tracys,” to 
“ one Stamford, a citizen of London,” to “ the bounty 
" of the Maids,” to each of which its origin has been 
attributed; or, what perhaps is more probable thari 
either, to the united efforts and contributions of persons 
who resided in the town and neighbourhood, among 
whom “ one of the Tracys,” as Lord of Barnstaple, 
might have been a principal. The period of its erection 
was probably in the twelfth or thirteenth century, but 
there is no certain evidence respecting it. 

The subjoined document will be regarded as curious 
in the present day, to those at least who may not have 
seen similar ones. The practice of obtaining benefac¬ 
tions in this way was not then uncommon. 


562 


“ John Holland , Maior of the towne of Barsta - 
“ pie , and others Maisters of the said towne , their 
“ letters testimonial to John Gerway , to collect 
“ alms in Dorsetshire , ^/or maintenance of the 
“ Longhridge and Cawseys, of Bar staple. Jamj . 
rf a?#, xxxvi, H. via. 

fC To all trevv Christian people to whom this p’sent 
writtinge of testimoniall shall come, to be seen or 
“ herd, John Holland, Maior of the towne of Barsta- 
“ ble, Philippe Comer, John Mannynge, Richard 
« Skyn, Henry Webber, Thom s Jeffry, John Goddes- 
“ land, and Will m Cameford, maisters of the said 
“ towne, and also Roger Worth, tovvneclarke, & 
“ John Sequence, & Rich d Wythyrydge, wardens of 
“ the bridge, of the said towne of Barstaple, send 
gretting in God everlastinge. 

“ For as moche as we pftly know that there is a great 
hugy mighty perylous and dread full water, named 
Taw, ronynge & beinge between the towne of Bar- 
staple aforesaid, & the Pshe of Tawstock, w th in the 
“ countie of Devon, over the well the King’s subjects 
“ and many other daily and yerly ride and dryve to 
“ and from many and sondry townes of the said shy re, 
“ and other sondry pshes, with ail man r of distresses, 
catall & other bests, and also do cary and recaryall 
“ man r carrags & thyngs necessary for thelpe of man, 
“ upon a bridge of lyme & stone, named the longe 
“ Bridge of Barstaple, whereas salte water doth ebbe 
and fiowe foure tymes in the day & the night; and 
the bridge is in length xiii goodly arches, and is 
“ walled on ev’y side fyve fote of hythe, and at the one 


563 


Cf end thereof is a goodly cawsy* lying over a marshe 
“ a quartr of a mile in lenght, and is ray led on the 
syde wher as any time is for the savegard of the 
King’s lovynge subjects that thereupon shall passe, 
“ and at the other end of the said bridge is another 
“ cawsey-j* as long as the other is, with longe stones 
“ sett an end on every syde thereof, to thentent that 
“ evy person, that is to say, inanne, woman & child 
“ shall have p*ft knowledge how to kipe ther way 
w th out damag. And at evy springe, bothe marshes 
“ Sc cawsies ben over heled and ov’flow w th salte 
“ water. In consyderation whereof, for the reparaton 
“ and upholdynge of the said bridge, yerly to be hadd 
lc Sc done, to thentent that all such the King’s liege 
“ people, w ch daily Sc yerely do and shall resorte from 
if all pshes of the shyre & elsewhere, wchin this realm 
“ may in savegard w th out any damag or jepdy, go, 
“ come, ride, dryve, cary, recary, 8c passe, as well in 
“ ther owne pp’r persons, as wth ther distress and 
44 cariages, over, through, & upon the foresaid violente, 
fr daungerous, & jep’dous streme & water aforsaid. 

* This causey, then not wider than the footpath now is, was 
much lower than the present turnpike road*: When the paved way 
was broken up a few years ago, the date, as it was supposed to be, 
of the formation of the causey was not displaced ; four stones are so 
disposed as to form certainly a rnde resemblance to the figures 1601, 
which may perhaps mark the year in which the ground was raised. 

t Strange as this may seem now, there was without doubt a 
causey leading from the Bridge to High Street, (though certainly 
not so long as is here represented) and so low as to be constantly 
overflowed to a considerable depth. What did not our forefathers 
put up with ? 

4 A 


564 


ft We the aforenamed John Holland, Major of the 
€i said towne of Barstable, Philippe Comer and other 
“ abovenamed, do desver & hertily pray you, in and 
“ for the honor & love of God, and of your cherite, 
u to departe vvth some portions of y r goods after y r 
“ powers, towards the repara'con, mayn’tence, and 
ff edfiinge of the said bridge & cawsies, for the w<* we 
“ donte dout but that you shall get made of almyghty 
God for y r so doing, and of us harty thanks. And 
“ also ons in the yeare, we have a gentle dirge and 
masse solemly songe with all the prists & darks in 
“ the church for all the bretherne, sisterne, and well 
“ doers to the said bridge & cawsies, and over all 
“ these we hartily pray you to p’mitte and suffer one 
“ John Gorway, his assigns and deputies, the w ch is 
“ now appoynted by us, for the collection of yo r cha- 
° ritable almes aud gifts, of, and for thaccomplish- 
tl ynge of the p’rmiss’s, peasabully to go, come, and 
mt pass amonge you, within the shy re of Dorsett, 
" during the tyme of foure yeres next comynge, after 
“ the date of these p’esents, without any man 1 * of lette 
“ interruption, vexation or troble by any of you, but 
to be susteyned as ye entend hereaft r to have us to 
“ do you like ples r , if any such nede should happen to 
you, or any of yours. In Witness w hereof for the 
“ more credence of the p’rmiss’s to be trew w e above- 
specifyed, John Holland, Maior, Philippe Comer, 
“ John Mannynge, Richd Skynn, Henry Webber, 
“ Tho s Jeffry, John Godesland, & Will” 1 Cameford, 
with our hole assents & consents to this o r p’sente 
writtinge testimonial, have put to o r towue seale. 


563 


in o r yeld haulle, in Barstaple aforesaied, yeven me 
“ twenty day of January, in the xxxvi yere of tlie 
“ reigne of o r Sovargne Lord King Henry the viii th by 
“ the grace of God of England, Fraunce, & Irlatid, 
<f King, defender of the faiith, and in imediately 
“ under God sup’me hedd of the church of England 
“ & of Ireland.” 

The bridge is here described as having but thirteen 
arches ; Leland, seven years after, speaks of it as having 
sixteen ; it is likely therefore that the three additional 
ones were erected out of the proceeds of John Gorway^s 
begging expedition. This edifice underwent another 
improvement in 1589. 

“ North peere,” says Philip Wyot, €( of the great 
<f bridge built on wood, taken down and rebuilt in 
three weeks on an arch, cost xxvi pounds, called 
Maiden Arches.” 

The inscription which follows, copied from a stone 
fixed in a parapet wall over the first arch, has reference 
to the same alteration. 



(Robert Prowse, Mayor, 1589; -Henry Downe, 
Senior Bridgewarden.) 







556 


The following, also transcribed from tablets on the 
bridge walls, mark the dates of subsequent alterations. 

This [the second] arch was widened 1782.” “ This 
“ bridge was widened in 1796.” Over the first arch, 
“ Six of these arches were widened in LS07.” 

In 1829, a ver y great improvement was effected by 
the removal of two small dwelling houses from the 
entrance to the bridge on the west side, by which the 
approach to it has been widened to twenty six feet, 
and the corner rounded to a convenient sweep ;* but a 
more important one is in contemplation, that of widen¬ 
ing the roadway throughout four feet, which added to 
its present dimensions, will make it about 20 feet 
wide. The bridge is in length, including the ap¬ 
proaches, 700 feet and upwards, and from the inside 

* I have called this a very great improvement, and so it is ; but 
a greater might and ought to have been made, by taking off a 
portion of the house on the east side ; this would have made the 
entrance uniform in appearance, and have been a valuable accom¬ 
modation, as well to pedestrians as for carriages, of which it may 
be safely asserted, that of twenty coming over the bridge, nineteen 
are driven into the Square. The building in question is one for 
the removal of which or a part of it provision is made in the 
Improvement Act; the commissioners perhaps could not readily 
furnish the purchase money, but the bridge funds could, and 500/. 
(or more if necessary) would have been well laid out iu making the 
alteration. As the town cannot be entered from the bridge in a 
direct line, it is the bounden duty of the trustees to remove the 
obstruction presented by the house in question to a commodious 
curve. Why is this not done ? we know the means for effecting it 
are ample ! Can there be any private interests in the way? Let us 
hope that as the projected improvements are as yet not fully made 
known, this very essential one is intended to form one of them. 


567 


of the extreme arches more than 500 feet; height 
from the parapet wall to the low-water line, 26 feet. 
The capacity of the arches may be judged of by the 
fact, that vessels exceeding 100 tons register are built 
at Lichdon, which of course must be taken through 
the bridge. The foundation of the structure is formed 
wholly or in part of wood, the timber on which the 
piers rest may be sometimes seen, when the water 
is unusually low. The affairs of the bridge are managed 
by the corporation as trustees, two of whom are annu¬ 
ally chosen bridgewardens,* an office to which the 
bye laws assign a salary of 6s. 8 d. per annum. In the 
same code provision is also made for the due election 
of these officers, the manner in which their accounts 
are to be settled, &c. (see bye laws.) 

Pilton Bridge or Causey , for either term may with 
equal propriety be applied to it, is about a furlong and 
half in length, and unites Barnstaple with Pilton.f 

* In Wood’s continuation of Philip Wyol’s register, occurs the 
following, under the date of 1643 :— 

1588—Henry Down, George Baker, Bridgwardens.—Neither 
u of them being of the counsel at that time, it being 27 years from 
“ the tyme of Mr. Baker’s (one of the individuals chosen) being 

Maior to the time that he was bridgwardcn. So that if he had 
“ been of the common council, he must have been Maior long 
“ before, and therefore cannot plead antiquity, that the bridgwar- 
** dens were always of the comon counsel.” 

t This is now a large and very respectable village ; it can 
boast of some antiquity, the parish contains about two thousand 
inhabitants. There was formerly a Priory here, the foundation of 
which was anterior to that of our own. A list of its Priors may be 
seen in Oliver’s Monastries of Devon. There exists still an 
ancient charity termed Saint Margaret’s Hospital. 


568 


It lias at the northern extremity, two arches over 
the Yeo, and one at the southern end across 
the Mill Leal, (a branch of the Yeo.) Tradi¬ 
tion assigns the erection to a gentleman named 
Stowford, who coming to Barnstaple from his resi¬ 
dence at West Down, saw a woman and child washed 
off from the causey and drowned, and in consequence 
resolved on building a bridge, at his own expense. 
Another account adds, that Mr. Stowford resided in 
London, and left money in the hands of the authori¬ 
ties here for the accomplishment of his design. In 
Frayne’s continuation of Wyot, it is said “ 1678. Mr. 
“ Richard Salisbury, Maior, began the building of 
“ Pilton Bridge.” I find it recorded however, that 
in 1581, it was ff repaired by corporation,” and in 
1656, “ Wardens of long bridge ordered to repair 
“ pillar at the N. end of Pilton bridge, and walls on 
“ top thereof.” The best way in which we can re¬ 
concile these statements, is by supposing (what is not 
improbable) that there might have been no arch over 
the leat , but a footway for passengers only, until 1678, 
and in that year one was built. Both causey and 
arches were, as was common in former times, narrow, 
and irregularly built, but “this causey and the bridges 
ff were widened ten feet, in the year 1821.” This 
was effected by public subscription. 

The road is very good, and has a carriage way of 
21 feet, with a footpath of six feet in width ; the 
thoroughfare over it is very considerable. It has lately 
been made turnpike, as part of the new Ilfracombe 
road. 


569 


Union Bridge .—1 have chosen this appellation, so 
peculiarly appropriate for bridges in general, in pre¬ 
ference to the harsh term of Mill-end^ which is not in 
fact the original name of the Quay* adjoining to 
which the bridge is built, and after which it has been 
called. The purpose for which this bridge was erected 
has been already explained. The facility with which 
the Yeo can now be crossed at this point is an acqui¬ 
sition to Barnstaple, offering many a pleasant summer’s 
walk, and a most delightful level drive of four miles 
and three quarters to Braunton, with the river for a 
great part of the distance close in view. 

MARKETS AND FAIRS. 

“ When markets were first established,” says a learn¬ 
ed author, “is unknown.” This may well be the case, 
as such institutions must in the very nature of things 
be of very remote antiquity ; coeval at least with the 
invention of money, the want of which would of course 
be felt wherever a community was formed, as being a 
superior mode of exchange to that of barter. 

The Saxons, for the prevention of fraud, instituted 
some strict and severe laws for the regulation of buyers 
and sellers ; they were doubtless rendered necessary 

* l should have noticed under the head “ Quays ” that this was 
built in 1701, and cost as stated in the corporation accounts, 
56/. 4s. 7 \d. A stone (now removed to the leaping stock at the 
end of the long bridge) was placed on it, with this inscription-— 
“This is the Union Quay , Thomas Harris, Mayor, 1701.” It 
was lengthened in 1799* 


570 


by the half civilized state of society in those days.* 
Barnstaple had the privilege of a regular market at a 
very early period, as is evidenced bv one of the inqui¬ 
sitions before referred to, (see page 344). It was at 
this time held on Wednesday and Friday in every 
46 week.” It continued by prescription to the time 
of Queen Mary, when it became a chartered right, 
the day for holding it being fixed for Friday ; and 
King James appointed a clerk of the market,*]* with 

* In the laws of Ida it is expressly said,— f * Si raercator inter 
“ vulgus raercetnr, faciat hoc coram testibus. Si furto ablatum 
“ illnd emptum inveuiatur, et ipse non emerit id coratn bonis 
“ testibus, confirmat pcenseloco, quod nec furte conscius, uec fura- 
“ tus sit, vel compenset pcense loco trigenta sex solidos.”— 
Wilkin’s Leg. Ang. Sax . p. 18, L. L. Ince 25.—If a merchant 
purchase anything among the common people, he shall do it in 
the presence of witnesses. If he cannot prove that he bought 
before good witnesses, but is found to have bought and carried it 
away secretly, he shall be held guilty as if he had stolen it, and 
shall pay a fine of thirty six shillings.—In those of Athelstan, 
it is enacted, “ that no one shall make a purchase beyond 20 peu- 
“ nies extra portam, [without the gate] but that such bargains 
“ should take place within the town, in the presence of the port* 
“ rcve, or some other person of veracity, or of the reeves in the 
“ Folc mote.”— Ibid p. 58, L. L. Athels. 12, 

“ Markets were held on Sundays, but were forbidden by the 
“ laws of the Northumbrian priests, about 930, but not abolished 
“ until 27 Hy VI,, when it was enacted * that all mauncr of fairs 
“ ‘ and markets in the principal feasts, on Sundays and Goodfri- 
“ * daps, shall clearly cease upon pain and forfeiture of all goods, 
“ * &c. &c.’ ”— Appendix to Com. Rep . of Public Records . 

t It was clearly never intended that the Mayor should, as is 
customary, fill this office ; can he do it legally? if so, he may also 
fill that of Town Clerk, (see page 411.) 


571 


extensive powers (see the respective charters). In 
1672, there appeared to have been -four regularly 
appointed market days, weekly (see page 301). 
Friday is now the principal day for holding the market, 
and the only one in the week on which cattle, grain, 
poultry, or beef of a choice quality, is to be purchased. 
Tuesday is considered as a sort of second market day, 
and generally produces as good, though a less abun¬ 
dant supply of vegetables and fruit as the Friday. 
There is however seldom a lack on any week-day* of 

* Nor is this all, each succeeding week presents the “ God- 
“ dishonoring’' spectacle of a Sunday market, a practice in favor 
of which not ono solid argument can be advanced* and for the 
prevention of which the law has devised two separate modes of 
proceeding ; but it is nevertheless publicly carried on in the centre 
of this populous town, and beneath the very court where four times 
in the year “ His Majesty's royal proclamation for the encouiage- 
“ meat of piety and virtue ” in which the observance of the sabbath 
is particularly enjoined, is read. Lest it should be urged that 
workmen do not receive their wages in time to make their purchases 
on Saturday nights, (which, were it the case, could not warrant such 
a breach of the sabbath,) be it known that those at the lacc 
manufactories, much to the credit of their employers, are paid on 
Thursdays, and that if there are any labourers who do not get their 
pay until eleven o'clock on Saturday night, the market is then open 
to them. The existence of the abuse has, l have the best reason 
to know, been repeatedly represented to “ the powers that be 
had I an hundred tongues, I would raise them against it. One 
word more ; upwards of two hundred children (the Church School) 
assemble in a room over the butchers’ market, where they are 
taught to “ keep holy the sabbath day,” with the example of the 
buyers and sellers breaking it constantly in view!—What an 
anomaly !! 

4 B 


572 


fresh meat (beef excepted), or vegetables. Our fri- 
day’s market sustains a good name, for the quantity, 
quality, and cheapness of its wares ;* fish, for which 
there is no particular market day, is generally plenty, 
and the price very moderate, with the exception of 
salmon, which is both scarce and (whilst in season) 
dear ; a considerable quantity is caught in the neigh¬ 
bourhood, but the greater part is sent off* to Bristol 
and other places by coach. 

A very commodious meat market was opened in 
1812. It has thirty-four shops, and extends in a dou¬ 
ble line from High Street into Anchor Lane.f There 
is a covered footway on each side, six feet wide, and 
an ample cart road in the centre. Over the butcher’s 
stalls, is the "corn market. 

* The vegetable market is held in the open street, as was that 
for the sale of meat until since the passing of the Improvement 
Act, in which provision is also made for purchasing a site and 
laying out a pannier market; but this could only be done by des¬ 
troying houses, and that at a cost too great to warrant an 
expectation of its present accomplishment. 

I* Traditionally but most ignorantly said to have bccu so named 
from ships having been formerly anchored there (at nearly the 
highest point of a walled town). 1 am indebted for the following 
very probable definition of the term, to the polite attention of a 
gentleman residing at a remote part of the county, who, having 
observed “ Anchor Lane ” on the plan of the town, writes—" It 
" may possibly have taken its appellation from the cell of an 
“ anchorite or hermit near it, perhaps at the corner of the church- 
“ yard. Such a spot was often selected for the habitation of a 
“ recluse, and the abodes of these idle devotees were generally 
* r called Anchor-htA&s." 


573 


Fairs .—There are five annually appointed marts, 
properly coming under this appellation, which are held 
as follows ; Friday before third Saturday in March, 
Friday before April 21, Friday before last Saturday in 
July, Sept. 19, and the second Friday in December; 
but four of these being exclusively for the sale of sheep 
and cattle, and perhaps also from being always held on 
Fridays, are better known as Great Markets; two of 
them are of long standing, but the others have been 
but lately set on foot, they are however found very 
convenient, and the whole are usually well supplied 
with live stock. 

The principal fair, or what is commonly termed 
Barnstaple Fair, is that in September, and is the only 
one held by grant from the crown ; it rests on the same 
foundation, both as a prescriptive and chartered right, 
as the Friday’s market. It commenced anciently on the 
9th July (21st N. S.). I do not find when or why the 
time for holding it was changed, but it was probably 
done on the granting of Queen Mary’s charter, Sep¬ 
tember being considered perhaps a more convenient 
time than July. What may be denominated the plea¬ 
sure fair, or that department appropriated for the sale 
of trinkets, sweetmeats, &c. now incident to all 
fairs,” at present held in Cross Street, was “ before 
*' 34 Eliz. [1591] kept on Quay, corporation found 
<f standings.” 

“ The ancient privileges* belonging to Saint Mary 

* These regulations arc evidently of ancient date, both by.the 
time specified for the fair to commence, and from the men^ia^ of 
the mayor and commonalty. 


574 


“ Magdalen’s fair at Barum, ” are described as 
follow:— 

iC 1st. It shall continue for four days, viz. on the 
ec eve and the day of the blessed Mary Magdalen, and 
“ the two next days following. 

“ 2d. The whole soil of Boutport Street, and the 
“ other streets within the said Borough, belongs to 
“ the Mayor and Comonaltie of the said Borough 
“ during the fair, and until 12 o’clock at noon on the 
tf day afterwards. 

“ 3rd. The said Mayor and Comonaltie may set 
“ and demise the said soil one day before the eve of 
ts the said fair, and have the whole profits of the said 
“ fair, and the Bailiffs of the said Borough shall 
“ collect and receive the same. 

“ 4th. Also that they shall there have the cogni- 
“ zance of Pleas, and a court of Pie Poudre,* as 
“ incident to all fairs.” 

The usual regulations observed with respect to the 
continuance of the fair are these, if the 19thf of Sept, be 
on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, it finishes on 

* Court Pie Poudre, (pedis pulverisati, because fairs being 
held mostly during the summer, the suitors have dusty feet; or, as 
others say, because justice is done so speedily, that the dust cannot 
be wiped from the feet before the decision is given ; or, as Barrington 
says, (Anc. Stat, 337,) from Picd-pouldreaux, a pedlar,) an ancient 
court, noticed in several of the statutes, held in fairs, for rendering 
justice to buyers and sellers, and the redress of grievances arising 
out of them.— En. Met . Art. Court. 

t “ 1588. The fair this year was kept Monday the ix Septem- 
““ber, [O. S.J because there should be no baying and selling 
^ SWMtay.”— Wyot. 


575 


the Saturday night, but if on either of the three sub¬ 
sequent days, it is commonly allowed to continue 
until Friday in the second week. The first and 
second days only are devoted to the purpose for which 
fairs were originally designed, which I scarcely need 
say was the sale and purchase of staple commodities. 

The morning of the first day is well occupied by 
farmers, graziers, and salesmen, in bargaining for 
droves of the superior breed of horned cattle, for the 
production of which the North of Devon is so justly 
celebrated, and which are driven into Boutport Street* 
from the country in every direction, from day break to 
ten o’clock ; by noon or soon after, the business here 
is usually completed. A considerable quantity of 
sheep is also penned. In the afternoon a goodly shew 
of horses and colts is exhibited in an open space at 
the south end of the North Walk, as is also the case on 
the following day. The remainder of the fair (as in 
fact is the whole of it by far the greater part of those 
who attend it) is spent at best in idle amusement, by too 

* So great is the number of cattle frequently exhibited, that this 
spacious area will not contain them, and they often extend into the 
adjoining streets, sometimes even into High Street. The following 
is the only estimate I recollect to have seen of the quantum of 
business done at this fair:—■“ Some idea may be formed of the 
“ immense number and the proportionate sale, from this circum- 
“ stance, that of 1,440 bullocks which came into the fair by the 
“ northern entrance of the town (over Pilton Bridge), not 300 were 
“ driven out by that road, and of those, perhaps, more than half 
“ were sold. And by a calculation we have just seen, more than 
“ 20,000/. was expended in the purchase of cattle/’— North Devon 
Journal, September *l±th, 1824. 


576 


many in rioting and drunkenness. A large portion of 
the money expended is borne off by the conductors of 
various travelling exhibitions, which by attracting the 
gaze of the fair-going-folk, usually succeed in obtain¬ 
ing some of their cash. 

It is generally regretted that a clause was not inserted 
in the Act passed in 1811, for improving the town, &c. 
to have fixed the commencement of the fair on the 
Wednesday before or after the 19th of September, and 
limiting its continuance to the Saturday following; but 
whilst those to whom it belongs to keep it within its 
prescribed limits, and who have not in fact the power 
to extend it beyond the charter-days, join in this com¬ 
plaint, the fair is notwithstanding suffered to extend in 
some instances over twice the period of time allotted 
for it. 


BANKING HOUSES.* 

There are two of these valuable auxiliaries to com¬ 
merce in Barnstaple. 

The Barnstaple Bank takes precedence in order 
of time. It was established in 1791, under the firm 
of Cutcliffe, Roch, and Gribble ; now Drake, Gribble, 
and Marshall.—London agents. Sir James Esdaile and 
Company, Lombard Street. 

The North Devon Bank was set on foot in 1807; 
the original firm was Bury, Nott, Pyke, Scott, Law, 
and Tardrew ; since altered to Pyke, Law and Ben- 

* This article should have followed that of “ Commerce,” aud 
was so intended, but inadvertently omitted. 


577 


craft.—London agents, Barclay, Tritton, and Company, 
Lombard Street. 

Both these establishments have proved themselves 
worthy of the public confidence. Amidst the many 
shocks that within the past twenty years have so rudely 
assailed the whole commercial world, and laid pros¬ 
trate many of the most extensive banking concerns in 
the three kingdoms, the Barnstaple Banks have re¬ 
mained unmoved. They have been tried indeed, but 
never found wanting, and each succeeding trial has 
but rendered them more stable in the estimation of all 
within the sphere of their influence. 


NORTH DEVON INFIRMARY. 

An edifice 

By mercy and benevolence upreared, 

To lessen human misery. Here disease 
Meets with a timely check, and rosy health 
Again revisits the late pallid cheek. 

Or if, spite of all human aid, stern death 
Demand his victim; pity watches o’er 
The humble sufferer, calms his agony, 

And smooths the rugged passage to the tomb. 

All that is necessary to be said relative to the first 
establishment of this truly benevolent institution, is 
comprised in the following copy of an inscription 
which was written on parchment, and inclosed in a 
glass bottle, which, after being hermetically sealed, 
was deposited along with various gold, silver, and 


578 


copper coins of the reign of George IV. beneath the 
foundation stone of the building. 

“ North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple. This 
“ Institution was established in the year 1824, by 
voluntary contributions, and the foundation stone 
“ laid on the 5th day of January, 1825, by Hugh 
“ Earl Fortescue, the projector and principal con- 
“ tributor.—John Shapland, of Barnstaple, architect. 
“ —When the donations amounted to 2,000/. and 
“ the annual subscriptions to 400/. the subscribers 
*' c considered that the surest means of perpetuating so 
laudable an undertaking, would be the erection of 
Cf a small building, containing 20 beds, but capable 
of future additions and improvements; the present 
“ building, 68 feet in length, and 30 in breadth, with 
“ a basement and two upper stories, was therefore 
“ determined upon ; but previous to its erection. Sir 
“ John Davie, Bart., bequeathed a legacy of 500/., in 
“ consequence of which, an additional or attic story 
“ was directed to be built, for the purpose of being 
Cf furnished when the increased funds of the establish- 
“ ment may permit, which, from the liberal means 
“ already afforded, may be expected soon to beaccom- 
“ plished. And it is hoped, that an institution calcu- 
" lated to be so eminently beneficial to society, may 
“ meet from succeeding generations, the same foster- 
“ ing care with which it has been so promptly and 
humanely established. The land on which the 
“ building is erected, containing three-quarters of an 
“ acre, was purchased of George Acland Barbor, Esq. 
“ and conveyed to the Right Honorable Earl Fortescue 


579 


" and his heirs, in trust for the use and benefit of the 
“ institution.” 

The following abbreviations of the report made at the 
last annual meeting of the governors and subscribers, 
held August 31, 1830, exhibits a statement of the num¬ 
ber of persons who have participated in the benefits 
dispensed from this fountain of benevolence to the 
suffering sons of humanity, from its commencement, 
as well as of the receipts and expenditure of the 
institution. 

In patients Out-patients 


Admitted during the past year . . . 

201 

134 

From commencement of the Institution 
of whom were 

724 

514 

Discharged, cured. 

418 

306 

„ relieved. 

208 

170 

„ incurable. 

29 

3 

„ at their own request . . 

10 


„ for misconduct .... 

9 


Left clandestinely. 

2 


Died . 

9 


Remain on the books. 

30 

24 


The receipts for the past year were 698/.; and the 
expenditure 742/. 11s. 6cf. The present stock con¬ 
sists of 

£ s. d. 

New 4 per cents. 856 12 9 

Poll Deeds .. 650 0 0 

Two Ditto received as donations ... 50 0 0 


4 c 


£1556 12 0 











580 


Dr. 

Benefactions and Subscriptions . . • G784 7 6 

Proceeds of Bazaars.421 17 1 

Dividends and Interest.131 5 0 

Balance due to the Treasurers .... 124 5 11 


£7461 15 6 


Cr. 

Ground, Enclosure, and Building . . 2606 17 6 

Furniture. 546 1.9 11 

Invested in Poll Deeds. 650 0 0 

In the New 4 per cts. 856/. 12s. Gd. cost 887 11 10 
Expenses of the general establishment 

for four years . 2770 6 3 


£7461 15 6 


Two noble and eminently successful attempts have 
been made to assist the funds of the institution by 
means of a bazaar. The first was held at the Rooms 
on the 4th of January, 1828, and produced, including 
what was received for admittance, 345/. 19s. 6d ., 
which, with the proceeds of one at Bideford, made up 
the above sum. 

The last took place January 12th, 1831, when the 
sale alone realized 577/. 10s. 7c?.—A petit theatrical 
exhibition in a room adjoining the bazaar, 40/. 7s. 6c?. 
—Admission money, 31/. Is.—Two donations, 15/.— 
making a grand total of 663/. 19s. lc?. 

A sermon is preached annually in January, for the 
benefit of the charity, which usually produces 50/. or 
60/. Discourses are also occasionally delivered for the 








581 


same benevolent purpose at the Independent and 
Methodist Chapels. 

A wing erected at the west end of the building has 
just been completed. It has a frontage of 25J feet, 
and is 39J feet in depth ; it contains, besides the base¬ 
ment story, three wards, each having room for 14 
beds, which with the original building renders the 
infirmary sufficiently capacious for the accommodation 
of nearly eighty patients. A second wing will, no 
doubt, be erected as soon as the funds may render 
such a measure practicable. 

The first patient who died in the infirmary, was 
William Zachary, a foreigner ; who was, in compliance 
with his own request, interred in the burial ground 
belongingto the Baptist Chapel, in September, 1826. 

GUILDHALL. 

Few towns probably possess a building worse adap¬ 
ted for the transacting of judicial business than our 
late Guildhall,* or one better suited to the purpose 
than the present; it is erected over the entrance to 
the butcher’s market. The Court or Hall, into which 
there are three separate doors of entrance, is 49 feet in 
length, by 28i in width, and 19| high. In front of 
the bench (which is at a good elevation from the floor) 
is a capacious table for the townclerk, solicitors, and 
others having business to transact; beyond which are 
boxes for the prisoners and witnesses, and between these 
another for the petty jury ; at the end of the room are 

* Pulled down and the materials sold by auction in April 1827- 


582 


rising* seats for the accommodation of persons without 
the inclosed space, of which the jury box is the boun¬ 
dary. Within the barrier there are seats on each side, 
and immediately over head two galleries, one appro¬ 
priated to ladies, and the other for the use of the 
grand jury. On the same floor with the hall is the 
council room, 23 feet by 18, and over this two jury 
rooms. 

The Guildhall was first used at the election of 1826, 
at which time it was in an unfinished state. The first 
court held in it, was that of the michaelmas sessions 
following, on which occasion the important measure, 
of holding the sessions for the future four times in the 
year instead of twice, was finally determined. 

The front, which is in the grecian stile, is handsome, 
but the effect which it ought to have is almost wholly 
lost, from the building having been erected in a line 
with the adjoining ones. Had it been set back 10 or 
15 feet from the street, it would have been a great 
ornament to the town ; situate as it is, it may be passed 
by strangers without any thing more being seen than 
the market gates; or, should an eye perchance be 
turned upwards, it will be rather wearied than grati¬ 
fied ; the building being lofty, and the street compara¬ 
tively narrow. 


PRISON AND BRIDEWELL. 

The following extracts from the letter mentioned in 
the preface as having led to the publication of this 
work, w ill shew what the old prison was. 


583 


“ The rooms or cells constituting the jail, are 
ff two ; one facing the street, which measures 14 feet 
“ 8 inches, by 9 feet 9 inches, and is 7 feet 4 inches 
“ high ; the other (the entrance to which is through 
the first) looking into a small courtlage, and tnea- 
suring 11 feet 8 inches, by 10 feet 8 inches, and 7 
** feet 2 inches high. In these rooms must all who 
cc are committed for criminal offences be confined, and 
' r eight persons have been placed in them at one time, 
“ (four in each room,) there to eat, drink, and sleep, 
(e and perform the offices of nature. Should one 
prisoner prove refractory, here he must be left to 
corrupt the rest by his example ; or another be dis- 
“ eased, he must remain to spread contagion among 
“ his fellows. Both these cases have occurred. 

The bridewell, as it is termed, consists of one 
“ under-room at the back of the felon’s prison, and 
tf two rooms over. 

* e The only accommodation for debtors, is an up- 
“ stair room, with one bed. In this three persons 
€€ have been confined together. 

“ So totally unfit are these premises for the purposes 
of a jail, that prisoners, how much soever they may 
“ require it, cannot, consistent with their safe custody, 
be permitted to breathe the fresh air unless strictly 
watched. 

“ Whenever the jailor has occasion to enter the 
“ inner cell, as he has sometimes been obliged to do 
“ at night, when there have been eight in confinement, 
“ w hat security (locked up as he must necessarily be 
with such a number of felons) has he, either for his 


584 


tf own life or for the safe custody of his prisoners, in 
the event (not a very improbable one) of their being 
€€ determined to escape ? 

“ The present jailor has, twice since his appoint- 
“ ment, joumied to London, in charge of insolvent 
tf debtors. Who, it will be asked, was intrusted with 
the care of the prison and its inmates during his 
“ absence ?—a female ! Being unable at one and the 
“ same time to discharge two such important but 
opposite parts of his duty, as that of being abroad 
“ with one prisoner and at home with the rest, and 
“ having no assistant allowed him, he was obliged on 
“ these occasions to leave the prison, prisoners, and 
“ all, in the hands of a sister.” 

It was now no longer a question whether or no a 
new prison must be provided, but there was a very 
important thing to be determined, namely, who should 
build it, the corporation or the parish. It was generally 
believed that the point could only be decided by an 
appeal to the law ; but whilst both parties were appa¬ 
rently preparing for the contest, the corporation pro¬ 
posed referring the matter to the recorder, which the 
parishioners, bearing in mind that even a victory gained 
by law is sometimes dearly purchased, agreed to, and 
the sum of 500/. was awarded to be paid by them to 
the corporate body, who on their parts were to give 
the parish, as was understood, a release from all liabi¬ 
lity to any future charge on account of the prison. 
The bond being executed and the money paid, the 
parishioners considered they had done all that was 
required of them ; but not so; no sooner was the 


585 


building erected than they were cabled upon to provide 
furniture for it, and which, no provision having been 
made to the contrary in the deed executed by the cor¬ 
poration, they were obliged to do. 

The present prison is certainly an excellent one; 
it was commenced in February, 1828, and completed 
in September, 1829. The front is of wrought stone. 
Towards the street are separate and convenient apart¬ 
ments for the prison keeper and an under jailor ; 
behind these is a courtlage in which, besides domestic 
offices, is the constables prison. A long passage 
opening into this court, leads to the different apart¬ 
ments. There are seven cells on the ground floor, 
appropriated as the jail, varying in dimensions from 
8 by 9, to 9 by 10 feet square, and seven of similar 
proportions immediately over them, used as a bride¬ 
well \ there are two excellent day rooms to each 
department of about 12 feet by 19 feet. There is also a 
debtor’s day room. 11 feet by 17 feet, and night 
room somewhat larger. The prison yard, across which 
there is a division, is as airy as the site would admit of, 
and bounded (in those directions in which it is not 
enclosed by buildings,) by a wall 20 feet high. 

THEATRE. 

This building, although situate almost close to High 
Street, is completely shut out from public view. It 
was built about fifty or sixty years since, and is calcu¬ 
lated to contain about 350 spectators. The house is 
always opened at the commencement of the fair, during 


586 


which there is a performance nightly, and afterwards 
three times a week, until Christmas, when it closes. 
Even in this short season, the theatre not unfrequently 
exhibits “ a beggarly account of empty benches the 
concern must be far from a profitable one. Kean, since 
so celebrated in histrionic annals, performed here not 
long before he made his boo to a London audience. 

THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS 

Were erected in 1800, by subscription of thirty-five 
shares, at 30/., afterwards increased to 35/., and now 
worth about 40/. each ; no return has ever been made 
to the proprietors on account of their shares, but 
whatever profit has accrued, has been expended in 
improvements. The building was newly fronted and 
otherwise altered in 1827. 

The establishment comprises a lofty and handsome¬ 
ly decorated ball room, 27 feet by 47 feet, lighted by 
three cut glass chandeliers, two card rooms, billiard 
room, news room, supplied with two London daily 
papers and three provincial journals, army and navy 
list; dressing and cloak rooms. There is a monthly win¬ 
ter assembly from September to March. A ball is also 
regularly held during the fair, which is fully and very 
respectably attended, and by far the gayest for the year; 
and one usually at Christmas. 1 have already stated 
that it is customary to have an election ball.* There 


* I am truly happy in having to record that " the ephemera of 
an evening ” was not at the last election, (Aug. 1830) preferred 


587 


are three card clubs held here weekly; one on Mon¬ 
days, and another on Fridays, for gentlemen ; and one 
on Thursdays for ladies. Here also public concerts, 
exhibitions of art, See. are usually held. 


FREEMASONS. 

A lodge belonging to this fraternity, and termed 
The Loyal Lodge , No. 469, was established here in 
September, 1783. Up to Christmas, 1828, it was held 
at the King’s Arms Inn, but was then removed to a 
room in Cross Street, now denominated Freemason’s 
Hall. In April, 1829, the first e< Provincial Grand 
“ Lodge ” was held here, on which occasion Viscount 
Ebrington, as cc Provincial Grand Master,” presided. 
The lodge had at this time thirty members. There is 
a considerable number of freemasons in the town and 
neighbourhood, who have not joined the lodge. 

BARNSTAPLE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE, FOR THE 
DIFFUSION OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE. 

“ The schoolmaster is abroad,” said the present 
highly-gifted Lord Chancellor (Brougham) some time 
since in the House of Commons; he is indeed, and 
is making progress too! British mechanics are 
now almost with one accord pressing forward for 
admission into the temple of Minerva, and-are not only 

to a more substantial good ; there was no “ election ball,” but 
200/. was given in lieu of it, to be expended in improving the town. 

4 D 


588 


themselves drinking ai the fountain of knowledge, but 
are opening new channels for the fructifying streams 
which issue from it. 

The above society was formed October 19th, 1830, 
and now consists of 163 members; it has already a 
library of 148 volumes, and supports a reading room, 
which is supplied with two daily London papers, one 
weekly provincial journal, and four periodicals ; others 
will doubtless soon be added, but it must be remem¬ 
bered that as yet the institution is an infant but of four 
months* growth. Both the terms of admission and the 
weekly subscription are very moderate ; the former 
2s. 6c?., the latter 2c?. Lectures are generally given 
weekly, on Tuesday evenings, and many very accept¬ 
able ones have been delivered, some of them by 
individuals who, but for the calling forth of their latent 
energies through the medium of this institution, might 
have never risen higher than calculators of pounds, 
shillings, and pence.— Hail! to the Mechanic’s In¬ 
stitute of Barnstaple ! 

ANNUITANT SOCIETIES 

for the benefit of widows. Of these there are two 
in the town. The first in order of time is 

The Barnstaple Annuitant Society , the affairs of 
which at the last annual meeting in May, 1830, stood 
thus:—53 members paying 21. 2s. per annum each.— 
32 annuitants receiving 8/. each.—3 ditto, 6/. each.— 
Stock in funds, new 4 per cents., 5,339/. 15s. 2c?.— 
Cash, 68/. 5 s. 




539 


The Barnstaple Second Annuitant Society , had 
at its last annual meeting in May, 1830,-121 members 
paying 21. 2s. per annum each,—9annuitants receiving 
201. each.—5 ditto, 15?. each.—2 ditto, 10?. each.— 
Money on mortgage at 4 per cent., 6,200?.—Stock in 
new 4 percents., 550?.—Cash, 231?. 17s. lOd. 

BENEFIT CLUBS. 

There are said to be ten or a dozen of those laudable 
associations in this town, but 1 am only furnished with 
particulars of the six which follow :— 

Loyal Union Society , established about 1780; 
funds, 1,400/.; number of members, 74; contributions, 
Is. 1 d. monthly, and Is. 3d. on the death of a mem¬ 
ber ; benefit, 5s. per week walking pay, 10s. per 
week bed pay ; 8/. 8s. per annum at 70 years of age ; 
10/. at 75 ; and 31. 10s. to be received by surviving 
relatives after death, in addition to the Is. 3d. each 
member.* 

New and Civil Society , established 1814; fund, 
300/.; number of members, 104 ; monthly contributi¬ 
ons, Is.; benefit, 4s. per week walking pay, 8s. per 
week bed pay. 

Laudable and Humane Society, established 1817; 
number of members, 205; contributions. Is. each on 
the decease of a member. 

* This society having existed upwards of fifty years, and being, 
after paying all demands upon it, in possession of a fund of 1,400/., 
it may not be amiss to compare the contributions made by its 
members, and the benefits to be received, with those in class 6 of 
the Friendly Institution. 


500 


New Friendly Society , established 1818; funds, 
600/.; number of members, 70 ; monthly contributi¬ 
on, Is 2d. ; benefit, 5 s. per week walking pay, 10s. 
per week bed pay ; at 65 years of age, 8/. 8s., and at 
75, 10/. 10s. per annum. 

New Union and Friendly Society , established 
1824 ; fund, ISO/. ; number of members, 44 ; monthly 
contributions, Is. 2d. ; benefit, 5s. per week walking 
pay, 10s. per week bed pay. 

Friend of Old Age Society , established 1826; 
fund, 98/.; number of members, 56; contributions, Is. 
monthly, and Is. on the death of a member; benefit, 
4s. per week walking pay, 8s. per week bed pay ; 
21. 10s. from the stock, to be paid to representatives 
after death, in addition to the Is. from each member. 

FRIENDLY INSTITUTION AND SAVINGS* RANK. 

I am unable to furnish any statement of the number 
of persons who have availed themselves of the benefits 
offered by either of these institutions, or of the amount 
contributed to the one, or deposited in the other. 
By a printed prospectus of the 

“ North Devon Friendly Institution , for the bene- 
<f fit of the working classes,** I find that it was esta¬ 
blished at Barnstaple April 15th, 1825, and extends to 
“ persons male and female, being of good character 
“ and sound health, between the ages of 10 and 50, 
“ and living within the hundreds of Braunton, Sher- 
<f well, Fremington,Southmolton, Hartland, Shebbear, 
“ North Tawton, Witheridge, Winkleigh, and Black 


591 


u Torrington,” who may, according to their contri¬ 
butions, receive pecuniary benefits, varying in degree 
from “ 2s. per week bed-lying pay, Is. per week 

walking pay, a weekly allowance of is. after the 
ei age of 65, and 21. on death ;** (class 1 ;) to “ 20s, 
ie per week bed-lying pay, 10s. per week walking 
“ pay, an allowance of 10s. per week after 65, and 
“ 20 l. on death.” (Class 10.) Office in one of the 
wings of Litchdon almshouse. Attendance on Fridays 
from 12 to 2 o’clock. 

The Savings’ Bank , is a branch of that established 
at Exeter, December, 1814, under the name of “ The 
“ Devon and Exeter Savings* Bank.*** Attendance is 
given at the same office as that where the business of 
the Friendly Institution is conducted, every Wednesday 
and Friday. 

HOADS AND WALKS. 

Loud and just were the complaints made only a few 
years back of Devonshire hills and Devonshire roads; 
but this reproach is no longer cast upon us, or at least 
is not any longer deserved. Our hills , it is true, still 
retain their places, and we would not have it be other¬ 
wise if we could; they are the pride of our county, the 
boast of its inhabitants, and the admiration of travel¬ 
lers ; but our roads no longer top them as they did, 


* By the last report of this institution, it appears that in 14 
years the number of accounts opened has been 31,285, and of depo¬ 
sits made, 114,513/. Whole amount deposited, 1,262,996/. 15$. 7 d. 


592 


and the verdant mountains with which Devonshire 
abounds., may now be surveyed without the labour of 
climbing, or the risk of descending c; frightful preci- 
“ pieces.” It is not of course meant to be asserted 
that this is the case throughout the North of Devon, 
but it may with propriety be said, as it respects the 
neighbourhood of Barnstaple. Our roads were first 
made turnpike by Act 3, Geo. III. chap. 35, the which 
no doubt caused a great alteration for the better ; but 
nearly all the principal improvements that have taken 
place, have been effected during the last twelve years. 

It is foreign to my purpose to go over these in detail, 
but we shall presently have practical evidence of what 
our roads now are, under the article <c Coaches.” 

The new roads lately made require of course to be 
noticed. That to Ilfracombe, completed in 1829, 
distance 10 miles 6 furlongs 21 poles, though perhaps 
scarcely a mile of it is perfectly level, the inclination 
throughout is so trifling, as to be scarcely perceptible 
to a pedestrian. The prospect for the greater part of 
the way is very confined, but the road is on the whole 
picturesque, and the scenery for the last two or three 
miles is enchanting. The Exeter road just completed, 
the line of which is wholly new from Fishley to 
Creditor], is said to be nearly an entire level for the 
whole of that distance, so that we have now in lieu of 
a road composed almost wholly of steep hills, scarcely 
one worth noticing betwixt Barnstaple and Exeter, 
excepting those beyond Creditor], The road is under 
the trustees of the Barnstaple turnpike as far as Egges- 
ford, the remainder belongs to the Exeter trust. 


593 


The formation of these roads, the Ilfracombe and the 
Eggesford, but particularly the first, has caused an 
enormous outlay, and including about 7,000/. previ¬ 
ously due on poll deeds, placed a millstone about the 
neck of the trust, in the shape of a debt (up to October 
1830) of 36,880/. 15$. 4 d* The extent of road under 
their direction is 85 miles. 

The Braunton road has been already alluded to, it 
is an acquisition to Barnstaple,f as well as to numerous 
parishes to the west of the town. 

Walks , and charming ones too, may be found in 
almost every direction, as may be naturally looked for 
about a town " pleasantly and sweetly situate as it is, 
upon a river amidst verdant hills.” 

The North Walk , a sketch of which is given in 
the plan of the town, is a promenade which fC take it 
“ for all in all,” with its lofty and umbrageous trees, 

* On upwards of 27,000/. of this sum, five per cent, interest is 
stipulated to be paid. Ought such an engagement to have been 
entered into % and can it, even with the tolls, as is the case at pre» 
sent, at the maximum, be fulfilled'? 

t The road is convenient, and the entrance to it might have been 
ornamental, but from the bridge having been injudiciously placed in 
a situation different from that at first determined on, and owing to 
the crabbedness of an individual in erecting a building so as directly 
to interfere both with the view of the bridge and the approach to it, 
the fine effect which the road and bridge would have had from High 
Street is completely spoiled ; thus sometimes do persons under the 
influence of petty private feeling, with a ruthless hand mar public 
improvement. It is to be hoped that this encroachment at least will be 
removed, if the other be allowed to stand ; possibly the removal 
of one may be the preservation of the other. 


594 


the river rippling around it, sometimes to its very edge, 
and forming when at the fulf an extensive lake ; the 
exhilarating breeze from the tide, and the convenient 
access to it from the different streets of the town, “ we 
ie shall not look upon its like again ” throughout the 
kingdom. 

It was commenced in 1759, when four or at most 
six trees were planted, since which additions have been 
made to it at various times, until it has reached its 
present extent of two furlongs ; the last alteration was 
effected in 1812. 

Four of the first-planted and finest trees were felled 
about twelve months since, by the corporation, for the 
purpose of facilitating the approach to the Braun ton 
road. They were, however, scarcely cut down, before 
the building just now alluded to was erected, by which 
the removal of two of them at least was rendered 
nugatory. 

The Banks present in fine weather a tempting walk 
of more than two miles in length, the whole extent of 
which is by the river side. The scenery they afford is 
pleasingly varied ; the one commanding the windings 
of the Taw through the rich vale of Tawton, disclosing 
fresh beauties every step we advance, and leading to 
the finely wooded grounds of Tawstock Court; the 
other coming full on the river, with the broad sweep 
which it takes just below the town, and its course for 
some miles onward, affording a prospect at once 
delightful, and which never palls upon the eye. A 
flowing tide is one of the few objects in nature which, 
though we saw it yesterday, we can watch to-day, and 


595 


could gaze upon to-morrow, without satiety. Attractive 
land scenery is, however, not wanting ; the eye in 
search of the picturesque will find many an inviting 
spot on which to repose, (amongst which Upcot House 
is beautifully prominent,) scattered over the side of 
the bold ridge that with a majestic curve appears to 
enclose the river. 


WATER WORKS. 

Barnstaple, as l have observed elsewhere, is abun¬ 
dantly supplied with hard water, and soft water is 
furnished from a branch of the Yeo, which is taken in 
near Rawleigh mills, and conveyed to the town in 
pipes, originally of wood, but which as they decay 
have their places supplied by leaden ones. The 
first grant made for this purpose, was by “ the 
Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, of the borough 
“ and parish of Barnstaple, to Ambrose Crowley, 
*• Edward Dyson, Daniel Dennell, and Richard 
Cf Loubridge,” by which they were empowered, in 
consideration of a nominal rent of one shilling per 
annum, to erect engines, lay down pipes, &c. &c. 
for the purpose of supplying the town with water. A 
lease for 300 years was subsequently obtained by the 
company, from the proprietor of the land at Rawleigh, 
of a right to take water from the stream above-men- 
tioned, at a yearly rent of 4/. (or thereabout). The 
water works are now in the hands of five proprietors; 
any individual may have the water brought to their 
houses, on payment of a yearly rent, varying in amount 
4 E 


596 


according to circumstances, but averaging about 185 . 
per annum, A reservoir, erected most probably when 
the company was first set on foot, stood in Boutport 
Street, facing Joy Street, until about forty years ago. 

INNS, COACHES, WAGGONS AND VANS. 

The principal Inns are the Golden Lion and For- 
tescue Arms; both are comparatively of modern date, 
the former having been established about seventy, and 
the latter about fifty years. What were formerly the chief 
houses of accommodation for travellers, have had their 
day, and long since become private dwellings; the 
present inns no doubt owe the patronage they have 
obtained to the advantageous situations they occupy, 
being near the entrance to the town from the London 
road, and close to the principal street. It singularly 
happens that these houses are situated close to each 
other. To draw any comparison between them 
would be invidious, they are both good, and highly 
respectable. The Golden Lion is mentioned by 
some (modern) writers to have been “ a town house 
“ of the Earl of Bath,” but there is no evidence in 
proof of such a supposition. Wyot, who often speaks 
of this nobleman, alludes to no residence but that 
of Tawstock House, which being but two miles distant, 
it certainly does not seem probable that his lordship 
kept a house here. 

Coaches. —Twenty-six years ago (and I believe long 
since, but I speak of 1805 from my own knowledge) 
the stage coach which then ran three times a week, w as 


597 


fourteen hours on the journey from hence to Taunton, 
where passengers either for London or Bristol had to 
stay the night; those for the latter city arrived at their 
destination at eight o’clock on the following evening, 
thus occupying thirty-eight hours in the journey ; and 
those for the former at five o’clock on the third day, 
having been fifty-nine hours on the road. 

A coach goes from hence still on the same esta¬ 
blishment, (but, like the roads, under a somewhat 
improved system,) which reaches Taunton in eight 
hours, and London in thirty. This is, however, far 
outdone by the mail coach, which runs to Taunton 
(on the new road through Bampton and Wiveliscombe) 
in five hours, to Bristol in eleven, and to London (vid 
Bristol, a distance of nearly 220 miles) in twenty-four 
hours, stoppages included. 

Royal Mail to Taunton, Bristol, Bath, and London, 
every morning at 6 ; and 

Royal Mail to Ilfracombe, every morning at 7;—from 
Fortescue Arms. 

North Devon Telegraph to Tiverton, (with a branch 
coach to Exeter,) Taunton, Salisbury, and London, 
every morning, Sunday excepted, at half-past 7; and 

North Devon Telegraph to Plymouth, Monday, 
Wednesday, and Friday mornings, at half-past 7;—from 
Golden Lion. 

Waggons and Vans .—Taunton, Bristol, Oxford, 
and London Fly Waggon, Wednesday and Saturday 
mornings, at 9; 

Van, to the same places and on the same days, at 4 
in the morning; 


598 


A Light Waggon to Exeter, (Rice’s,) Monday and 
Thursday, at 3 in the afternoon ; 

A Light Waggon to Plymouth, Tuesday morning 
at eight, and Saturday evening at 4;—-from Bell Inn. 

A Light Waggon to Stratton and Bude, Tuesday at 
12 o’clock ;—from Angel Inn. 

A Fly Waggon to Exeter, every afternoon, Sunday 
excepted, at 2 o’clock,—from Seldon’s Warehouse, Joy 
Street. 

Besides the above, there are conveyances daily to 
Bideford, Ilfracombe, Southmolton, and Braunton ; 
three times a week to Torrington and Linton ; and 
twice a week to Chulmleigh. 

I must not however omit, as I had nearly done, 
mention of the facilities offered for Water Carriage. 
There are to and from this port and London, four 
regular traders, one of which sails from Griffin’s 
Wharf, London, every 21 days. On the Bristol trade 
there are five constant traders, of which one sails from 
the Barnstaple Slip, Broad Quay, every 14 days. 
There is also considerable mercantile intercourse with 
Liverpool, but there are no regularly appointed vessels. 

There are stated freights for goods from each of 
these ports, those from London being double the 
Bristol rate, and from Liverpool one half more than 
Bristol. 

Vessels are constantly trading from hence to differ¬ 
ent parts of Wales, but without any fixed rule, or 
period for sailing. 


599 


On looking round I find I have yet an omission* to 
supply, and one too of some importance. 

POST OFFICE.*|* 

Arrival and Departure of the Mails.— Eastern, 
embracing the whole kingdom, Cornwall and the 
greater part of Devon excepted, arrives at half-past 8 
evening, and leaves at 6 morning.—Western, including 
Bideford, Torrington, Exeter, Plymouth, and Cornwall, 
comes in at 10 morning, and goes out at quarter past 3 
afternoon.—Bideford, with bags for eastern mail, conies 
in at half-past 12 morning, and departs immediately after 
arrival of London mail.—Ilfracombe, arrives at quarter 
before eight evening, leaves at 7 morning.—Linton, 
comes in Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 10 
morning, goes out same days at 3 afternoon. 

* Gentle reader ! I crave pardon for this and what others you 
may discover ; (for you will doubtless find more, and so perhaps 
shall I, when too late ;) afford credence to my plea,—that it is no 
light thing to prepare and carry through the press a work of this 
multifarious nature. 

t Fifty years ago, Barnstaple had a post only every other day, 
and but twenty-five years since letters were dispatched to Ilfracombe 
only thrice a week. So late as 1819 (I state this on the best autho¬ 
rity) the letters and newspapers received at our office were in 
number only one half what the papers now amount to alone . Which 
of the three following causes has the largest share in producing this 
effect —the increase of population, improvement in commerce, or 
the march of knowledge? We have heard a good deal of late 
respecting sinecures, but it is plain the appointment of Postmistress 
of Barnstaple is not one. The office delivery extends to 37 parishes’ 


600 


Delivery of Letters .—Office open in winter from 
8, and in summer from 7 morning, until 11 at night, 
except Sunday, when it is closed during divine service 
from 11 to 1 and from 3 to 5.—Eastern delivery com¬ 
mences within forty-minutes of the arrival of the mail, 
at the office only .—Letter carrier goes out at 7 morn¬ 
ing in summer, and at 8 in winter.—Western delivery 
commences at half-past 10 morning. 

Time by which letters must be put in .—Eastern 
and Ilfracombe before 10 at night, or on payment of 
2d. until 11, when the bags are made up.—Western, at 
a quarter before 3 afternoon, or until quarter past 3 
by paying 1^. 


60L 


APPENDIX TO CHAPTER VI. 


[A.] 


Statement of Goods imported into Barnstaple , in 17*27-8. 


Ireland.— Cork, Waterford, Dublin , Ross t Bantry .— 
1,101 bags, or 24,473 “ great stones ” wool. 11 hhds., 25 
casks tallow. 4 packs, 2 bundles, 12 pieces linen, Irish 
manufacture. 2,497 bars iron (Spanish). 21 cwt. ditto. 
9 bundles rod ditto. 49 bags glue. 200 Norway deals. 
3 casks runnet. Various quantities of provisions for expor¬ 
tation to America and Newfoundland. 

Spain.— St. Luca , Cadiz , Bilbon.—Si pipes, 18 hhds. 
wine. 49 pipes olive oil. 3 hhds., 65 barrels, raisins. 
19 chests, 12 half chests, oranges and lemons. 2,300 bush¬ 
els, 8 lasts, salt. 26 jars olives. 224 bundles canes. 
1,030 bars, 1,318 double ditto, iron. 2 “ parcels” liquorice 
stick. 13 bags walnuts. 1 parcel chesnuts in bulk. 23 
cakes rozin. 60 doz. wisps. 

France. — Alaronde de Berge , Crozick , Brest , Poulliguen 9 
Miskey , Roan , Alloon de Bardges.—9i charges, 99 mew?, 
2,840 bushels, salt. 29 hhds. wine. 7 hhds. brandy. 8 
casks vinegar. 2 pieces dowlas. 200 burrs. 876 cwt. 
plaister paris. If mount of ditto. 

Portugal. — Lisbon , Oporto , Viana. — 56 butts, 41J 
hhds. wine. 2 m-, 693 moy, 685 bushels, salt. 32 bas¬ 

kets broadfigs. 93 ditto raisins. 115 chests, 77 half 
chests, 48 boxes, lemons and oranges, and sundry parcels 
ditto, in bulk. 18 baskets sugar. 298 bundles “ canes 




602 


u (vocal reeds).” 21 cwt., 6 bundles, 1 parcel, cork. 67 
pipes olive oil. 133 bags shomack. 17 chests tallow. I 
bag chesnuts. 

Italy.— Leghorn,—8 tons brimstone. 14 pipes, 1 hhd., 
olive oil. 10J jars sallad ditto. 4 hhds. capers. I hhd. 
almonds. 1 chest, 19 half chests, Florence wine. 10 bar¬ 
rels anchovies. 2 chests alabaster flower pots. 20 marble 
figures. 

Norway.— Ester Riser/. —2,019 deals. 30 middle balks. 
52 spars. 3 dozen trays. 13| dozen handspikes. 36 oak 
boards. 117 spruce deals. 12 white boards. 12 doz. boat 
scoops. 

Newfoundland.— 7 pipes, 25 puncheons, 199 hhds., 78 
barrels, train oil. 11 barrels corr fish. Sundry parcels ” 
dry fish. 3 caggs sounds. 6,000 feet pine board. 922 
feet ditto plank. 4,700 barrel staves. 800 hogshead ditto. 

America. — South Potom.ack , Pistaque , Charlestown , 
Mary land, Boston .—297 hhds. tobacco. 18 great masts. 
18 small and middle ditto. 3,324 pine boards. 90 oaken 
planks. 20,825 barrel staves. 6,500 hogshead ditto. 5150 
pipe staves. 410 barrels pitch. 293 ditto tar. 161 ditto 
train oil. 2 ditto turpentine. 109 ditto rice. 3 ditto deer 
skins. Sundry spars, oar rafters, &c. 


[B.] 


Copies of Treasury Warrants for the Bonding of Goods in 
the Port of Barnstaple, 


“ After our hearty commendations.—Having considered 
M your report of the 21st February, 1822, on the memorial 
“ of sundry merchants of the port of Barnstaple, praying 





603 


(6 that that port may be approved for the bonding of goods 
“ ,n tables B. C. and E. of the warehouseing act of 43 Geo. 
“ III., cap. 132. These are, by virtue of the powers vested 
“ in us by the said act, to approve of the port of Barnstaple 
“ as a bonding port for wine and spirits, enumerated in 
w table B. of the general warehouseing act, whenever it shall 
“ certified by the proper officer, that warehouses and 
M premises have been provided in all respects fit for the 
“ reception thereof, in conformity with the established re- 
“ gulations of the said act; for which this shall be your 
44 warrant. 

44 Whitehall Treasury Chambers,the 3rd day of June, 1822. 

44 Signed 44 B. Paget, 

44 G. H. Somerset, 

44 £. A. M. Maughten.” 

44 After our hearty commendations.—Having considered 
44 your report of 10th December, 1822, on a letter from Mr. 
<4 Nolan, requesting that the port of Barnstaple may be 
44 approved, for the bonding of rum in table A. of ihe ware- 
44 houseing act. These are to approve of th^ port of 
44 Barnstaple, as a warehouseing port for West India rum, 
44 in table A. of the warehouseing act, 43 Geo. III., cap. 
44 132; for which this shall be your warrant. 

44 Whitehall Treasury Chambers, the 30th day of Decem- 
44 ber, 1822. 

44 Signed 44 N. Vansittart, 

44 B. Paget, 

44 G. H. Somerset. 

44 To the Commissioners of His Majesty’s Customs.” 

44 After our hearty commendations.—Having considered 
44 your report of the 27th August, 1823, on the petition of 
44 John Jerrett, praying that the privilege of warehouseing 
44 sugars, molasses, and mahogany, in table A., and timber, 
44 wood, hemp, and tallow, in table C., of the warehouseing 
4 F 


604 


44 act of the 43rd Geo. Ill,, cap. 132, may be extended to the 
44 port of Barnstaple. These are to authorize and require 
44 you to approve of the port of Barnstaple, as a warehouse- 
44 mg' port for the goods above enumerated, as soon as proper 
44 warehouses and yards shall be provided and made fit and 
44 secure for the deposit of such goods, in conformity to the 
44 established regulations. 

44 Whitehall Treasury Chambers, 24th September, 1824. 

44 Signed 44 B. Paget, 

44 Lowther, 

44 G. H. Somerset. 

u Commas. Customs, &c. &c.” 

44 After our hearty commendations.—Having considered 
44 your report of the 2nd Instant, on a petition of Messrs. 
44 Nickolls and Co., merchants of Barnstaple, praying that 
44 the privilege of bonding at that port may be extended to 
44 goods in general, except Tobacco ; we do hereby approve 
44 under the powers vested in us by the 2nd section of the 
44 act fi, Geo. IV., cap. 112, of the port of Barnstaple as a 
44 warehouseiug' port, for all goods except tobacco * East 
44 India goods 9 and goods enumerated t in table A. of the act 
44 4, Geo. IVr, cap . 24, (other than sugar,) upon the ware* 
44 houses being fitted up in all respects according to the 
44 established regulations, and under the express condition 
44 that they shall be open to the general accommodation of 
44 the trade of the port . 

* The importation of this article is by 29 Geo. IV. limited to a few of 
the large ports, doubtless on account of the high duty it pays. The last 
entry in the Custom House accounts relative to tobacco is as follows, 
under the date of April, 177^;—“ One hogshead of American tobacco 
44 being part of the cargo of the Betsey, Hugh Sherwood, master, a prize 
44 take n from the rebellious Americans by Thomas Fillieull, commander 
44 of a private ship of war called the Revenge, together with other pri- 
44 vateers belonging to the island of Jersey.” 
t Chiefly drugs and spices. 


605 


“ Whitehall Treasury Chambers, the * day of February, 

" 1828 . 

“ Signed “ Wellington, 

“ Henry Goulburn, 

“ Eliot. 

“ Commrs. of Customs.” 


[C.] 

Specification of merchandize on which duties were paid in 
the port of Barnstaple , from January 6th , 1880, to Janu¬ 
ary 6th 9 1831.t 


Brandy, 1,815 gal.—Wine, 7,050 gal.—Rum, 8,202 gal.— 
Sugar, 1,301 cwt. 3 qrs. 18 lbs.—Molasses, 29 cwt. lqr. 25lbs. 
—Coffee, 7,850 lbs.—Pimento, 243 lbs.—Raisins, 327 cwt. 
2 qrs. 8 lbs.—Currants, 149 cwt. 1 qr. 22 lbs.—Figs, 10 cwt. 
1 qr. 19 lbs.—Tallow, 379 cwt. 1 qr. 24 lbs.—Wheat, 250 qrs. 
—Peas, 4 qrs. 1 bush.—Beans, 42 qrs* 2 bush.—Tares, 07 qrs. 
— Rice, 26 cwt. 3 qrs. 16 lbs.—Almonds, 3 cwt. 1 qr. 12 lbs.— 
Oil, 801 gal.—Grapes, 30 jars.—Oranges and Lemons, 1,418 
boxes.—Timber, 1,126 loads, 7 feet.—Coals, 8,297 chal¬ 
drons.—Culm, 4,967 chaldrons. 

* Date left blank in the original warrant. 

+ It must not be understood with respect to groceries, that no more 
has been imported than is here mentioned. Bonding of these articles is 
as yet done but on a small scale; by far the larger part of the business 
hitherto transacted in this way has been done in duty-paid goods. 




606 


CD.] 


Limits of the Port of Barnstaple , and extracts from offi¬ 
cial documents relative to it from 1739 to 1800. 


The port of Barnstaple was, by commission returned into 
the Court of Exchequer, in Easter Term, 29 Charles IL, 
declared to extend 44 from a rock in the sea called Mort 
44 Stone, adjoining' to the parish of Morthoe, and so west- 
44 ward on the coast to the south end of the bar of Barnsta- 
44 pie, and from thence on the west side of the river to the 
44 creek of Appledore,and unto a rock called Whipple Stone 
44 or Hubba Stone, in the parish of Northam ; and from the 
44 north end of the said bar to the pill called Jewili’s Pill, 
44 beyond the key commonly called the New Key, in the 
44 parish of Instow; and likewise from the said bar to the 
44 long bridge of Barnstaple, with ail the strands, shores, 
44 pills, and creeks, on the north and south sides of the river 
44 of Barnstaple, and within the said limits.” 

The last commission from the Court of Exchequer took 
from this port and added to that of Bideford, 44 that part of 
44 the sea coast which adjoins the bounds and limits of the 
44 member port of Bideford or Northam Burrows, in an east- 
44 ern and southern direction, by Northam Burrows, Gray- 
44 sand Hill, and Skim, to the village of Appledore, on the 
44 west side of the river Torridge, including the whole of 
44 the said village, with its appendages, and proceeding in 
44 a southern course to a large stone lying on the beach on 
44 the west side of the river Torridge, called Hubba Stone, 
44 where it again adjoins the bounds and limits of the said 
44 member port of Bideford ; and from Hubba Stone afore- 
44 said to a certain mill house or water mill, situated in 



607 


* 6 Jewill s Pill, in the parish of Instow, on the east side of 
u *h e sa *^ river Torridge, being the boundary of the said 
44 member port of Bideford, on the east side of the said 
4 ‘ river; and from thence in a supposed direct line towards 
44 the middle of a certain weir in the parish of Braun toil, 
44 called Ballamy’s Weir, (such supposed line being in the 
44 direction north north west, according to compass, or 
44 thereabouts,) unto the north east end of the anchoring 
44 pool, called Appledore Pool; and from the said north 
44 east end of the said pool in a direct line towards Graysand 
44 Hill, (such line bearing by compass about west;) and 
44 from thence in a winding direction about north west and 
44 by west, along the middle of the channel commonly called 
44 the North Gut, into the bay called [Barnstaple or] Bideford 
44 Bay, including the middle ridge, and all on the west side 
44 of the said channel, together with all bays, channels, &c. M 

1739. No wool or woollen goods to be imported from 
Ireland, 44 to any other port of Britain, but to Biddiford, 
44 Barnstaple, Minehead, Bridgewater, Bristol, Milford- 
44 haven, Chester, and Liverpool.”—12 Geo, 11., c. 21. 

1778. A new act was passed permitting the exportation 
of limited quantities of corn, &e. for the use of the fisheries at 
Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Labrador, from the follow¬ 


ing ports, viz.— 

WHEAT FLOUR. PEAS. BISCUIT. 
qrs, qrs. tuns . 

London. 1400 900 850 

Bristol. 900 800 800 

Pool a . 3200 1300 1400 

Topsham and Teignmouth . . 2400 1200 1100 

Dartmouth .. 2450 950 1000 

Barnstaple. 400 150 150 

Liverpool.300 150 150 

Chester .. » 300 120 100 


Weymouth 200 120 60 









' 60S 


17,95, May 5. An embargo laid on all British shipping in 
all the ports of Great Britain, and the owners of all vessels 
were required “ to furnish able bodied men for the navy; 
“ one able seaman being accepted as equivalent to two able 
“ bodied men, in the following proportions from each port.” 

Barnstaple, 74.—Bideford,48.—-Dartmouth,394.—Exeter, 
186. — Ilfracombe, 49.—Plymouth, 96,—Falmouth, 21.— 
Fowey, 70.—Gweek, 7.—Padstow, 19.—Penryn, 11.—Pen¬ 
zance, 35.—Saint Ives, 31.—Truro, 11.— &c. &c. 

1796. The ports of Barnstaple and Bideford (no others 
in Devon) were added to the ports previously appointed in 
the same session, (1795,) for the entry of foreign wheat and 
other grain, imported for the bounties. 

1800, Sept. 30. Number of vessels, with their tunnage, 
and the men usually employed in navigating them, which 
belonged to the following ports in Devonshire. 



VESSELS. 

TUNS. 

MEN, 

Exeter . . . . 


12,372 

772 

Dartmouth . . . 


11,215 

1,048 

Barnstaple . . . 


5,387 

326 

Bideford . . . . 


4,659 

256 

Ilfracombe . . . 

... 57 

2,851 

224 


[E.] 

“ A Table of Dntyes belonging unto the towne of Barnes - 
“ taple, for Kay age , Hallage, and other Dutyes for 
u Goods exported and imported there , as followeth . 


<( 


Wools, the stone cont. 1G lb. sold here is 


d . 
1 










" Wools of lreland,Walles, or Spaine, not sold here, but 
“ transported to any porte, the bagge is .... iij 
“ Wools viz. Spannish wools, the packet is ... . ij 

u Prize of Ireland or Wales, the hundred yards is . . ij 

“ Flacks, the stone cont. 16 lb. is.06 

“ Salt hides, the dicker is .. . . . iiij 

M Tanned hides, the dicker is . ij 

“ Lamb foils, the hundred is. ij 

“ Sheeps foils, the hundred is.iiij 

'* Goat skins, the dozen is l 

“ Hakes wet or drie, the hundred is ..... . 1 

“ Newfoundland ffishe, drie, the hundred is ... 06 

u Newfoundland ffishe, vvett, the hundred is .... 1 

“ Calf skins, tanned, a dozen is ....... 1 

” Kersies, the pack is.iiij 

u Dunsters, the pack is.. iiij 

“ Exbourne, every piece is . . 06 

“ Bridgewater, every piece is . . 06 

“ Canvass, every ballott is. . 1 

“ Redd or blue cloth, every piece is .06 

“ Broad cloth, every piece is. 1 

“ White wares, every pack is. ij 

“ Figgs and reysons, every tonne is .viij 

,f Prunds, every tonne is.viij 

“ Iron, every tonne is. viij 

“ Lead, every tonne is . viij 

'* Oils, vineger, trayne, honey, syder, pilshards, herrings, 

“ gunger, barrel fish and beiff, per tonne .... viij 

“ Tallowe, the stone, in great or smalle caskc or eake is q3[|] 

“ Candles, the stone cont 16 lb. is . . . i . . . q3 

“ Kayage of every pack of cloth is. iiij 

“ Kayage of every tonne of liquid coraodityes is . . viij 

“ Keellage of every barque is .iiij 

" Molton whites, every pack is. iiij 
























/ 

610 

d. 

Hempe comb’d or uncomb’d, every stone i3 ... 06 

“ Heling stones, the thousand is ....... 06 

“ Hops, the bagg cont. the hundred is . 1 

“ Millstones, per piece is.. viiij 

“ Tobacco, the hundred weight is. 1 

** Ashes, the tonne is.iiij 

" Weeds, viz. Welsh weeds, the hundred stone cont. 

“ 15 lb. the stone is.xii 

“ Mader the balls, viz. greate balls, is ..... xii 

“ Sugar, the cheste is. vi 

“ Woade, the tonne is ..iiij 

“ Salte, the tonne is.iiij 

“ Corne, the tonne is . iiij 

“ Sythe, the dozen is. L 

“ Brazall wood of all sorts by sea or land, V C. is . 05 

“ Butter, the kilterkynue, except sold ia the markett 

“ by retayle is . .. 1 

“ Butter, the barroll, except as aforesaid, is . . . ii 

" Hogshead staves, the thousand is.viij 

“ Barrol staves, the thousand is. vi 

“ Pipe staves, the thousand is.xii 

“ Deal boards, the hundred cont. 120 boards is . . vi 

“ Millstones, kayage and cranage is.viii 

•* Tarr, the barrell is. 1 

“ Battery, brasse pottes, and belle raettell, the cwt. is 1 

“ Steel, the faggott is. 1 

“ Cable yarne, the tonne is . ..viii 

" Pilch, in casks or barrols is. 1 

“ Feathers, the hundred wt. is. ij 

“ Grinding stones, flat stones, and free stones, pr. tonne iiij 

" Paper, every balle is. jj 

“ Glass, every case is , 1 

“ White leather, the hundred is .. ij 

“ Dead oare, the tonne is.iiij 

























611 



d. 

u Card boards, the pack is.. iiij 

“ All other goods not mentioned in this table are 

“ to pay tonnage, 8 d. per tonne.viij 

“ All goods of high value, as silks of all sorts, and 

" spices of all sorts, for every 20s. worth is ... 1 

€ * Indico, for every xx worth is ... * ... . 1 

** All little small parsells or small drafts of wool, to pay 

after 2d. the score is. 2 

“ Henry Drake, Maior, 


“ John Fairchild, Alderman, 

“ Wm. Westcombe, Alderman.” 


[FJ 

Rental of Lands belonging to the Feoffees of the Long 
Rridge f commonly called Bridge Lands.* 


LESSEE OR TENANT. PROPERTY^ RENT. TERM ENDS. 

1. S . 

Grace Shapcott House at Bridge end . 

E. R. Roberts . Small house on Bridge . 2 0 

* This document was drawn out, up to 1815, by an individual now 
deceased, who, from the situation he filled, possessed the means of doing 
it correctly. Holding, as I do, all such statements of public property to 
be the property of the public , I resolved that they should have it. It was, 
of course, necessary to make alterations where leases had run out and 
been granted anew; but this I could not fully accomplish without assist¬ 
ance from the managers of the bridge affairs. Two of these gentlemen, a 
feoffee and one of the wardens, gave their full sanction to my having the 
blanks filled up by the collector of the rents. This individual, very 
properly perhaps, wished to have the consent of some other of the feoffees; 
he made application, but I soon learnt that he ivas interdicted from sup¬ 
plying the required information. Were I not quite satisfied that the 

4 G 









612 


I.ESSBK dtt TBNANT. 


PROPERTY. 


RENT. 


TERM HNDS, 




/. 

s. 


Corporation 

f Ground whereon a 

A 

0 


f house stood* , . J 

1 i 


E. Harris . . 

House in High Street . 

46 

0 


William Thorn 

House in High Street . 

3 

8 

Michs. 1841. 

Charles Darke 

Boot Inn. 

35 

0 


Jehn Gill . . 

House in High Street 8 

12 

12 

Lady-day, 1847. 

Francis Berry. 

r House and Garden, 1 



1886. 

1 Boutport Street i 



C. E. Palmer . 

House ditto 

40 

0 

^ Term of 7, 11, 

N. Glass, jun. . 

House ditto 

30 

0 

> or 14 years, 

Geo. Kingson 

House ditto 

30 

0 

y from 1825. 

Corporation . 

House ditto 

4 

4 

Lady-day, 1845. 

Thomas Lewis 

Part of Fortescue Arms 

20 

0 

Lady-day, 1884. 

-Thorne . 

House in Bear Street . 

1 

15 

Lady-day, 1861. 

John Martin . 

Ditto 

2 

2 

Lady-day, 1860. 

Wm. Howard . 

Ditto 

5 

0 

Yearly Tenant. 

William Harris 

House. 

6 

0 

Ditto. 

John Pyke . . 

Stable and Garden . . 

1 

0 

Michs. 1847. 

J. M. Harding 

House in Holland Street 

2 

10 

Michs. 1846. 

Wm. Galliford 

f House and Garden, 1 

1 Holland Street / 



Yearly Tenant. 

John Pyke . . 

Back House andGarden 

1 

0 

Michs. 1847. 

C. E. Palmer . 

Garden in Cross Street 




Wm. Mullins . 

f 2 Houses and Gar- I 

1 den in Joy Street / 

8 

8 

Michs. 1839. 

George Tyte . 

House in Joy Street 

6 

12 

Christmas, 1858. 


bridge accounts are now correctly kept, and the funds not misappro¬ 
priated, this very circumstance would have raised my suspicions; what 
can make any one individual feoffee wish to keep the amount of the 
bridge rental a secret , I am wholly at a loss to imagine, but some reason 
there must of course be. Whichever of the trustees objected, he acted 
upon principle doubtless ! I had previously obtained many of the requi¬ 
site particulars, and have since procured more ; I am thus enabled, in 
spite of the prohibition, to furnish a correct though somewhat incomplete 
statement of one portion of the town property. 

* This house was pulled down for the purpose of building the meat 
market, but the rent is still paid. 





613 


Lessee or tenant. property. 


RENT. TERM ENDS. 




l. 

s. 



Jane Blake . 

House in Tuly Lane 

7 

0 

Yearly Tenant. 

J. Rattenbury . 

Ditto 

6 

0 

Ditto. 


George Roue . 

Ditto 

3 

0 

Ditto. 


John Marshall. 

Garden and Stable . . 

1 

10 

Michs. 

1850. 

John Dennis . 
William Reed) 

House and 2 Gardens . 

House in Tuly Lane . 

3 

0 

Lady day, 

1839. 

J. Fairchild J 

12 

0 

Yearly Tenants. 

John Roue . . 

Ditto 

8 

0 

Ditto. 


J. Dennis, jun. 

c House and Garden, ) 
l in Litchdon . . ji 

3 

13 

Michas. 

1859. 

Robert Jewell . 

House in Diamond St. . 

5 

0 

Lady-day, 

1847. 

G. Hill . . . 

House in Maiden Street 

2 

2 

Lady-day, 

1837. 

- Jordan . 

House in Well Street . 

10 

0 

Death of lessee. 

J. Greenslade . 

House in Anchor Lane 





John Isaac . . 

House at Newport . . 

4 

0 

25th Oct,, 

1849. 

Wm. Marquiss 

2 Fields at Rumsum 





James Whyte . 

f Ground whereon a ) 

1 house stood, Pilton* J 

0 

18 

Lady-day, 

1881. 

James Ford 

J Barnstaple Parks, 1 
l Burrington . . J 

3 

0 

Lady-day, 

1875. 

H. Saunders . 

r House and Garden, -j 
( Combmartin . . J 

2 

0 

Yearly Tenant. 


7 Houses in Boutportt 
Rent Char. (v. charities) 

0 

10 

In hand. 



In addition to the above, the feoffees have considerable 
sums both in the stocks and on mortgage. Although 
entirely under the control of the Corporation, the bridge 
funds are now well managed, and kept quite distinct from 
the town accounts. 


* This property has long been incorporated with the Lawn attached to 
Pilton House, and cannot now be traced ; in consequence of which a new 
lease was granted in 1821, at the old rent. 

t Seven small tenements, called in Ae rental “ Bridge Row,” but 
popularly known as the “ Seven Drunkards.” Two or three of the 
houses are let, but as the whole are shortly to be pulled down and 
rebuilt, I have not included the property in the rental. 


614 


CHAPTER VII. 

Chronological Record of Events relative to Barnstaple . 


Notwithstanding the considerable portion of matter 
already given, which comes properly under this head, 
this chapter might have been made much longer than 
it is. I had materials for many sheets more prepared 
for the press, but the extent to which the work has 
already reached, (originally intended to comprise six 
sheets, but swollen to nearly forty,) forbids my print¬ 
ing it. It may well be supposed that during the long 
period this work has been going through the press, 
some occurrences have transpired which it is desirable 
should be recorded, these with some other additions 
and corrections will be given, headed by the articles 
to which they refer. 

878. The Danes effect a landing at the mouth of 
the Taw\ 

The following is the account I have met with of this interesting 
event:—“ Ubbo, who, with his brothers Inguar andHalfden, had 
“ conducted the fatal fleet to England, to aveDge the death of their 
" father, and who had distinguished himself in the massacre at 
“ Peterborough, and who was now the only survivor of those 
children of Regnar Lcdbrog, who had afflicted Eugland, had been 
horrassing the Britons in South Wales, where he had wintered. 
“ After much of that slaughter, which always attended their in* 



615 


" vasions, he returned with twenty-three ships to the English 
“ Channel. Sailing by the North of Devonshire, the Castle of 

Kynwilh attracted his notice, where many of the King’s Thegns 
“ had embraced the protection of the Earl of Devon. The place 
“ was unprovided with subsistences. It had no stronger fortifi- 
" cation than a Saxon wall; but Ubbo found that its rocky situ- 
“ ation made it impregnable against all assault except at the 
** eastern point. He also remarked that no water was near it, and 
“ consequently that a short siege would reduce the inhabitants to 
V every misery of thirst and famine. He preferred, therefore, the 
“ certain vietory of a blockade to a bloody attack, and surrounded 
“ it with his followers. Oduti saw the extent of his distress, and 
** the inevitable certainty on which the Pagans calculated, and 
** determined on a vigorous sally. It was bravely executed. While 
“ the dawn was mingling with the darkness, Oduu pierced at once 
” to the tent of Ubbo, slew him and his attendants, and turning on 
“ the affrighted host, destroyed the largest part; a few reached 
“ their vessels and escaped. An immense booty rewarded the 
“ victors, among which, the capture of their magical standard, the 
“ famous Reafan, was to the eye of ignorant superstition, a more 
•* fatal disaster than even Ubbo’s death and their own defeat.’* 

(Note.) “ The Saxon Chronicle makes the number of the slain 
“ 840. Flor. Wig. 1,200, p. 316. Asser describes the raven as 
“ a banner woven by Ubbo’s three sisters, the daughters of Ragnar 
“ Lodbrog, in one noon-lide. It was believed that the bird ap- 
“ peared as if flying when the Danes were to conquer, but was 
“ motionless when they were to be defeated.”— Turner's History 
of the Ang. Saxons, Pol. 2, page 79*80. 

The important consequences which resulted from this victory are 
well known. A rough slab of rock, lying on the Beach at Appledore, 
still marks the spot where Ubbo was said to have been buried. It 
is called Hubbastone or Hubblestone. 

Thomas Hogg, Esq. of Appledore, has placed in the corridor of 
his house, (which he denominates Odun Hal),) a Tablet with the 
following Inscription, in reference to this event“ This Tablet 
" is to perpetuate the Memory of the victory over the Danes, wbo 


616 


<r in the reign of King Alfred, the Saxon Monarch, landed with 
** thirty-three sail of ships at Appledore, in this County, and were 
“ valiantly repulsed by Odun ami the Men of Devon, with the loss 
“ of their chieftain Hubba, and of their invincible standard the 
“ Reafan. The Reader, whose imagination kindles at the recital of 
“ such scenes as have dignified by heroic actions, cannot but be 
“ gratified at the contemplation of this decisive triumph and bold 
“ achievment of a small but determined band of heroes, which 
“ memorable event led immediately to the expulsion of a ferocious 
“ host of invaders, the restoration of the immortal Alfred to his 
“ Throne, the establishment of trial by Jury, that polity and those 
" institutions which laid the foundation of the Liberty, the Great- 
“ ness, and the Glory of our Country.” 

1167. “ A collection made here [impost] of 2d. in 

“ the pound, towards the succour of the east christiaus, 
“ against the Turks.” 

1281. For writ of quo warranto referred to from 
page 12, see No. 1, appendix A. to chapter 3. 

Pilton Bridge .—“ 3rd Jany., 1451. Bishop Lacey 
“ granted forty days* indulgence to those penitents who 

should contribute to the bridge and causeway be- 
“ tween Pilton and Barnstaple.” 

This memorandum, (which I had mislaid when the article 
“ Bridges” was written,) was kindly furnished by the individual 
who extracted it from the Bishop’s Register. Was not this the 
first formation of the Bridge and Causeway? 

The following notices relative to Pilton (from the same source) 
may not be unacceptable :— 

“ Bishop Bronscombe dedicated Pilton Church, October 1259.” 

“ A Recluse within St. Agnes Chapel, Pilton Churchyard, is 
“ mentioned by Bishop Grandison, see 2 Reg. fol. 152.” 

“ A Fair was granted to Pilton, 18 Edw. 3rd.” 

“ Charity of St. Leonard, Pilton, 1374, is mentioned, fol. 31 

vol. 2. Bp. Brantyngham’s Register.” 


617 


1537. 44 Quindesima. [Quintadecima, pars un- 

44 derstood.] Memorandn, [made by 4 Jonas Baker, 

4 marchant/ in 1634,] that it appears by an ancient 
u quittance bearing dale the 13th of Octr., in the 29 
“ yeare of the raigne of King Henry the 8th, that 
44 Edward fiord, then the Kinges collector of tenthes 
“ & ffifteens, did receive of John Goddisland, then 
4C one of the constables of the towne of Earnest, the 
44 some of 13/c?. 14s. for one fifteenth & tenth, as by 
44 the acquittance of the said collector under his hand 
44 & seale appeereth.” 

Priory .—1490. 44 The accumpte of svch monish has 
44 hathe byne payde bye the conuent of St. Mary Mag- 

44 delene, of Barnestaple, for the funerale of. 

44 Pryor of the sayde conuent as vpon. 

44 remayneth thyse xij dey of Seypt. 1490. 

44 Imps. Wee havepayede ovt the sume of xiv. viij, 
44 vj. fore byldynge hys seypultvre, & fore markin 
44 yse tumb. yse xiv. vii. vj. 

44 Item. Mure wee have payede toe the pryorey of 
44 Pyltone, and to the munckes ther to prey for hys 
44 sole. yse vld. 

44 Item. Mure wee have payede fore hys cuffyn 
44 &c. the sume of ivld. & to they chauntrye ofe Synt 
“ Anne, viij. viijd* yse iv. viij. viij. 

44 Item. Mure we have gyven away thee pure of 
44 the Paroche of Barnestapoll, yn the Churche of 
44 Synte Petrus ther on Svndey last. yse ij. iij. iij.” 

1555, Feby. 2. 44 Robt. Thorn, late Prior, certified 

44 that the tenants of the house of Magdalene paid the 
44 Quindecim [Quintadecima].” 




618 


1586, Feby. 7. “ My Lord of Bath & Mr. H. 

" Acland, justices, sat here at this towne, for the 

direction of come to be brought to this market, and 
<k for the maintenance of the poor within their own 
“ pshes, and none to go abroad, so that somme of ev’y 
psh appointed to view barnesand mows, and to take 
“ a note what store of corn their was, and what peo- 
“ pie were in such houses as had corne to spare, and 
“ allowing ev’y pson a peck a weke, to certify the 
“ overplus to the said justices, but what good this 

<f order will do the comon.buyers of 

“ corne, many stand in doubt, because now corne 
“ being deare, viz. wheate at viijs- the bushel, they 
feare this order may make it dearer, as it did last 
“ yere. ” 

Chapels and Chantries .—A house at the High 
Cross, late the Jolly Butcher, is described in a deed 39 
Eliz. as being bounded on the north by the chan - 
“ terie of Saint George the Martyr 

1587. “ Corne is very deare, wheate sold for viijs. 
rye for vis., barley for iiij per bshel.” 

“ About this time [whitsuntide] commandmt given 
that the beacons slid be recdified & diligently 
u watched day and night, and that posthorses shd be 
“ p’vided in ev’y town, and that ev’y p’son should 
“ p’vide in rediness his armour. 

Very high ffiood in September, wind at W. ’’ 

On St. Luke’s day this yere, there was a trental 
of sermons at Pylton, so that divers, as well men as 
u women, rode and went thither; they called it an ex- 
“ ercise or holy faste, and there some offered, as they 



619 


did when they went on pilgrimage. And the like 
was kept at Sherwill, to theadmira’con [admiration^ 
f< of all p’testants. 

“ Little or no raine hath fallen for vi or viij weeks, 
r< whereby more dear the & scarcity is to be lookt for. 

May. cccc bushels of rye arrived, not above 
fC Ixxx b ls sold ; wheate rose next market day to i xs., 
“ girts vi viij, barley vi viij.” 

te June, ccccccc b^s of rye at the pcurement of 
“ some of this town were brought here, whereby 
“ wheat fell from xs. a bushel to viij 5 * vid., which rye 
“ was sold for vi s. a bushel. 

August. Wheat sold for . . , rye ijs. viij, barley 
“ is. ii d. } by reason of the plenty of new corne. 

€C Lord Bath & the Countess his wyfe dyned at the 
new Mr. Maior ; the women this yeare were not 
“ bidden, wherefore there was much chatteringe 
“ among them . 

Mr. Hugh Fortescue and Mr. Robert Dillon kept 
“ their Christmas here, belike for saving of charges, &c. 
46 Wheat sold for iijs. \[d. 3 barley ij. ij, oats xiij.” 
1588. Cf Fine weather in March ; wheat sold for 
“ ij viij, barley xxd. , rye xxii, oats xi, a xii gallons. 

110 fat oxen in the market one day, the like 
“ never seen before, on friday before easter.” 

<f Victuals & grayne very plenty, best beef 1 d. per 
“ pound, wheat iij«., rye and barley xviijd. perbl.” 

" Wheate sold for ij 5 * ivd*, rye xxd, oats xid., bar- 
ley xvid. ” 

“ Much afraid of a Spanish invasion.” 

" Octr. Continual rayne, wheate rose to iiij 5 * vd*” 
4 H 


620 


44 1589. Order from L<* Batli to the Contes of 
44 Braunton Hundred to p’vide vc bushels of wheate, 
44 Sc so much butter and cheese conveniently to be 
44 got in H. of Braunton, to be sent after Sr F. Drake’s 
44 ffleet.” 

44 March. Great pvision making for holding the 
44 Assizes in this towne. 

44 The places for the Judges to sit in, one against the 
44 Keyhall, and the other by the North end of Mr. 
44 Colli bear’s house, both covered with reede. 

44 There come hither but 1 judge, Ld Anderson; 
46 he came to town the monday in the afternoon, to 
44 the keyhall place there, (where he sat all the assi- 
4 * zes,) read the commission, charged the grand jury, 
44 Sc adjourned. 

44 The tuesday the Judge, Ld Bath, & other Gent., 
44 dind with Mr. Maior. 

46 Martyne, the goaler, kept some of his prisons in 
44 house late Bailiffs in this towne, and others in Castle 
44 Green, under tyltes with sayles. 

44 Judge lodged at Mr. Dodderidge’s.—Sheriff, at 
44 Mawdlene,—Serjt Drue, at Gill. Harris.—Serjt 
44 Glandyl, at Roger Cade’s.—Serjt Harrys, a t Mr. W. 
44 Collibear’s.—Mr. Heale, at Mr. Welche’s house. 

“ Rest of the lawyers well accomodated elsewhere. 

44 Tuesday, sat on nisi prius, 

44 Wednesday by 5 o’clock, the judge tried ii or iii 
44 causes of nisi prius, and then upon the goal, conti- 
44 nued the Wednesday and gave judgement upon 
44 those who were to be executed. 

44 Friday and Saturday sat on nisi prius & ended. 


621 


“ The gibbet was set up on the Castle Green, and 
“ xviii prisoners hanged, whereof iiij of Plymouth, 
“ for a murder.” 

The execution is corroborated by the Parish Register. “ Here 
4 * ffolloweth the names of them Prysoners wch were Buryed in the 
<( Church yearde of Barnistaple ye syce [assize] week: — 

“ Marche, 1590. 

44 John Parrett, Buryed the xvth of marche | dyed | 
u George Strongewithe, Buryed the xxth daye. 

44 Thomas Stone, Buryed the xxth daye. 

“ Robart Preidycx, Buryed the xx daye. 

44 Vlalya Payge, Buryed at Byshope tawton y e xxth daye. 

44 John Bante, of Chagfoorde, the same daye. 

“ John Starkeyc, of exon, the same daye. 

“ Edwardc Langdon, of Hunshew, the same daye. 

44 Willyam Goalde, a Prysoner, Buryed ye xixth daye | dyed | ” 

46 Wheat v '\ s • viijrf- victuals dearer.” 

“ A pickard laden with barley malt from the fforeste 
46 arrived, to sell for iij*- the b 1 *” 

“ July. 8 ships sailed over our bar for Rochelle.” 
« Divers have cut corn before St. James’s day.” 

“ Harvest ended in many places before midst of 
August.” 

“ March. Victuals about this time very dear.” 
“ About whitsontide, xix nobles [61. 6s. 8cf.] was 
*< given for a heifer that had new calf.” 

" Plague of pestilence at South Molton and Tor- 
“ rington.” 

« Watchmen continually to prevent suspected folks 
<f of the plague, from coming into town.” 

“ Mr. Maior hath taken great pains and travayle 
<■< to p’serve this towne from infection of the plague.” 
“ Great store of sider this yere, w ch maketh caske 


622 


ff deare, a hoxede is sold for iij s - & a pipe for vis” 

“ Corn is somewhat reasonable; I bought wheat for 
“ ij«* viij^*” 

1593, “ iiij subsidies and vi fifteenths granted by 

parliament to be paid her Majty with [query, with- 

“ in] iij yeares.” 

“ Rain and violent winds every day in March ; the 
“ shyppyng cod not go to Newfoudland or Rochelle, 
“ or those at Rochelle come home.” 

“ Because of the long drieth this yere, people from 
tf Ilartland came to Rayleigh [Rawleigh, distant from 
“ Hartland 22 miles] and Bideford mills with griests.” 

“ Sir John St. Leger, & other Justices of this north 
“ division, met about rating the subsidy. 

“ I subsidy &. ii quindeeims to be paid out of hand.” 

Church .—1593. The first set of chimes appear to 
have been put up in November this year. 

“ The chayms now going, wch coste besides the 
<f bell that was had before xxv/., a great charge to 
“ small effect.” 

1594. “ Price of corne near at one price. Wheat 
“ about v s «; barley & rye iij s - ij the bushel ; ots 
‘ f xviij.” 

<f Pclamation publishd forbydding the wearing of 
“ daggs or pistol les.” 

“ All the brewsters and tiplers of ale within the II. 
“ of Braunton & Sherwell appd at Barn before Mr. 
“ Dyllon & Mr. Ackland, justices, & bound by re- 
“ cogn to keep good rule, &c.” 

“ Francis Hawkins was hung in chains at Highbick- 
" ington, for the murder of a Cornishman, a sailor.” 


623 


4f Wheat a vib* vi.” 

1595. 44 By reason of rayn and foul weather, wheat 
“ is ixs. a b 1 .” 

ct xxx of August. L d Bpp came to town, was met 
“ in Southgate Street by the Maior and Maisters in 
“ their scarlet gowns ; a skoler made a speech ; after- 
“ wards the Bp dined with Mr. Maior ; he confirmed 
“ divs children at the Castle Green; on the 2d day 
rc such a multitude came in from the country that he 
“ cod scarce pass the street; on a sudden he turned up 
“ Crock Street [Cross Street] & went to his lodgings, 
“ and went out of towne almost for thence; the people 
46 lamented they had lost a fine harvest day.” 

“ 28 Novr. E. of Bath, Mr. Pollard, Mr. Carey, 
44 Mr. Abbot, justices, sat at the Guildhall, where they 
44 had calld all the Conbles of the Nth Division, to give 
44 notice to those that were sett to arms, to be in rea- 
44 dyness, and that the billes shd be changed into 
44 pykes, and the bows and arryws into muskitts and 
66 calyVers.” 

1596. 44 3 May. A sessions held at the Guildhall, 
44 the first after the new charter, & the first ever kept 
44 in the town.” 

66 In the beginning of this month, May, divers salt- 
“ petre makers with commission to enter into houses 
46 & places to dig and delve upp the earth to make the 
44 peter, and do make salt peter thereof, and clear salt, 
44 they take the earth dug up, and cast water there- 
44 unto, and so standeth a certain tyme ; then they let 
44 the water out of the tubb, and by a certain tyme 
44 after boyl the same in a great furnace a long tyme ; 


624 


ci then they take it out, and put in small vessels to 
44 cowle, and thereof cometh the salt petre and salt.” 

This was an odd practice enough, bnt in 1627, “A proclamation 
“ by King Charles slated the practice of making saltpetre in Eng- 
“ land, by digging up the floors of dwelling houses, dove houses, 
** stables, &c. tended too much to the grievance of his subjects,” 
and that, a patent having been granted to two individuals for mak¬ 
ing saltpetre by a new process, “ the King therefore commands all 
“ his subjects of London, Westminster, &c. near to the place where 
*' the said patentees have already erected a work for the making of 
“ saltpetre, that after notice given them respectively, they carefully 
“ keep in proper vessels all human urine, throughout the year, and 
“ also as much of that of beasts as can be saved, for the patentees 
u to carry away from time to time.”— Feed. Vol. 18, p. 813. 

“ All this May hath not been a dry day and night.” 

46 Wheat at x 5 -, rye at vii, barley at vi, ots a ij iiij.” 

44 June. Continual rains. Wheat a xk, barley 
44 vikiiij.” 

46 August. By reason of the continual rain there 
“ is great leare of all sorts of corn, but little comes to 
44 market.” 

44 Wheat xk,rye & barley viii, oats ik iiii^, where- 
rc upon letters sent from the Counsel, to Earl of Bath, 
44 he with other justices came to town, viewed the 
“ market, and sat the price upon corn there, (to wit) 
r ‘ wheat ix 5 *, rye vk, Barley oats ij*-, threatening 
“ the seller with dures, [imprisonment] if he sold for 
44 above that price.” 

4< Same day pclamation made wd» did concerne the 

rats [rates] and taxations of servants 5 waigs, made by 
44 the justices of peace for this borough of Barnes- 
4f taple, &c.” 


625 


“ Small quantile of corn brought to market; towns- 
men cannot have com for money.” 

“ Upon letters to Mr. Maior of this town from Mr. 
“ Norrys & Mr. Martyn, in London, mentioning the 
“ dearth and scarcity of rye & price thereof, that 
“ no less than a whole shipp’s quantity was to be had, 
“ conteyning vij hundred quarters. Mr. Maior & his 
cc brethren had a meeting thereon, who debated,, but 
“ upon the wyllyngness of Mr. Nicholas Downe & 
“ John Delbridge, they were all wylling to pcure a 
66 whole shipp^s lading, (would cost xiij hundred 
“ pounds,) divers consented to lend x#- wch extended 
cc to xii hundred pounds. George Stan bury of this 
tf towne was appointed to travayl to London to assist 
“ Mr. Norrys in obtaining this corne ; God speed him 
“ well that he may p’cure some corne for the inhabit- 
ic ants of this towne in this time of scarcity ; that there 
“ is but little cometh to the market, and such snatch- 
rc ing and catchying for that little, and such a cry that 
" the like was never heard. People which do want 
“ seede do pay xii shillings for a bushel of wheat, and 
“ much ado to geate it.” 

Not a dry day in November.” 

“ Only barley brought to towne, and snatched up 
<f presently.” 

“ 300 soldiers in the town to go to Ireland.” 

Many of the gentlemen shewd their light horses 
“ and petronnells fa small gun used by horsemen] in 
this town, before the Earl of Bath and Mr. Lewes 
“ Pollard, their captayne.” 

“ Intelligence from Norrys and Stan bury, that they 


626 


“ had bought a quantity of rye, and that the justices 
“ of peace having set a price upon come now gave 
leave to the country to sell at large, hoping the 
“ market wd be thereupon supplied ; but there com- 
“ eth less & less, & they aske xv«- a b 1 for wheat, & 
“ commonly sell for xii & vi, & viii for barley.” 

“ Continual rain day and night.” 

1597, 8 April. “ Wheat sold xviij a b\ barley 
“ xiij, rye xiiij, otsiiij.” 

cr 10 June. Wheat sold for xviij, barley for xiij, 
“ rye for xv$. p bl” 

“ Arrived three shipes tliat were sent from hence to 
“ Dantsick for rye.” 

“ Now in July by reason of continual raine, wheate 
“ sold last fryday for xx*« a bushel. 

<r Richd Symons, M r of Arts, was admytted skolem r 
“ [schoolmaster] & the other Symons was put out.” 

“ Corn is fallen, wheat viij, rye vis barley 5, ots 
“ xxiirf.” 

In innocents week, the Maior with many of his 
“ brethn went to Youlston, to visit Mr. Robart Chi- 
“ Chester, and carryd unto him some good hansel, they 
“ did the same to Mr. Basset’s, and also to Tawstock.” 

1599, 2 April. “ Mr. Robart Chichester, Lord of 
“ this town, beying advertysed of some injuries done 
4f him by this town, came hither with Mr. Hugh 
“ Wyott, lawyer & counseller, and the counsel of this 
“ town compromised the varyance.” 

1599. “ xxix May. One John Symons, a petie 

skolemaster of this towne, not very hardly witted, 
rf but one of the anabaptistical and precise brethren. 


627 


(< had a child brought to the church to be christend, 

** & called it Dorvvell ; the vicar dislyking it calld it 
“ John, which caused a great murmuring among the 
brethren, who said it came from the Hebrew word 
“ Abdeel.” 

Philip Wyot here exemplifies in his own person the close connex¬ 
ion betwixt bigotry and ignorance. An anabaptist having his 
infant child baptised ! I! This was no doubt “ the other Symons 
“ who was put out ” for being a dissenter! 

Cf A better harvest never heard of than this.” 

“ Wheat iiijS barley ij«* vi d, 9 * 
rf Earl of Bath, Mr. For fescue, & Mr. Hugh 
“ Ackland, sat concerning rating of the subsidy. 3 ’ 

“ Wheat iij iiij«T, rye ij vii«?*, barley ij iiijd.” 

1600. Monday the xix day of Maye, the new 
kaye upon the Strand, almost in the midst of the 
other kay, was begun to be buylded. 3 ’ 

“ This yere, at the request of Sir Robert Bassett,, 
6f one Sharland, a musician, was retaind by Mr- 
<f Mayor & his brethren to go about the town about 
“ iiij o’clock in the morning with his w'aits; & is 
cr promis’d viij7.; began on All Saints Day and to 
“ continue till Candlemas.” 

Mr. Richard Smyth, the hired preacher of this 
“ towne, & Smyth, preacher of Pylton, were itihi- 
bited to preach in this Diocess, by reason they wd 
" not wear the surplice.” 

1601. " Wheat v iiij, rye iiij iiij, barley iiij viiij.” 
xix day of December, at night, some of the castle 

wall was blown down and blown into the castle, and 
“ did no harme savyng some ij ravens were found 
dead, and belike it sat withinside the wall” 

4 i 


628 


Smyth allowd to preach again and did preach & 
" admynyster the communion in his surplus as he was 

commanded.” 

Corne continued this yeare nere one rate.” 

1602. €t Assizes at Exeter hold in March. The 
“ Lord Chief Baron sent to the common goal Mr. 
<e Giles Risdon & Mr. William Burgoyne, being 
“ recusants, there to remayne at his pleasure ; if they 
“ had rather go to goal then to church, much good 
“ might it doe them, I am not of theyr mynde.” 

“ Wheat holdeth up at viijs- viij^* a bushel, rye at 
“ vi«* iiijrf-, barley vs-, ols xxijd*” 

1603. “ 3 Feby- Pclamation published concerning 
“ election of Knyghts of the Shire and Burgesses of 
“ Parliament, that they should be grave men , of good 

worth and fit for the place.” 

1604. This October the deputy of his Majesty’s 
tc Clerk of the Market came about this county, and 
“ made lesse all bushels, pecks, and half-pecks, by 
“ the third part after Winchester bushel, counte- 

nanced by the Justice of the Peace, to the great 
“ admiration of many & is thought to be a great 
" grief.” 

The plague entered into this countye.” 

“ And so now our Clerk of the Market, being 
“ Henry Downe, follovveth the like fashion within this 
“ Towne.” 

1605. <f About the middle of this month of August, 
" the Earl of Bath o r Sir Ro. Chichester, Sir Henry 
<f Rolle, & Mr. Hugh Ackland, sat in the Guildhall, 
“ by virtue of certain orders from the Councell, to 


629 


meet about alehouses, chunkers, recusants, &c.— 
“ a great cry and little ivool.” 

“ In ye yere of or Lord God 1607, in Janiarij, the 
ic ryver of Barnistaple was so frozen, that manye 
hundred people did walke over hande in hand, and 
u from the Bridge unto the Castell Rock wth staves 
<c in ther hands, as safe as they could goe on the drye 
" grounde.—Robt Langdon, clarke, at Barum.” 

\Yyot mentions this frost, and says it continued five weeks. 
rf Wheat ix iij, rye vij, barley vi ; by reason of 
“ sharp cold winter hay sold for viij & ixs* a truss, 
” many cattle died for want of fodder.'” 

20th April. The spire on the Key hal was 
“ finished .” 

“ 25 May. Mr. Maior reed letter by a pursuivant 
“ from the counsell, for appoynting a stage post from 
“ this town to Chumleigh, and a poste barke to carry 
any packet sent hether from my Lord Treasurer into 
“ the province of Munster in Ireland.” 

1609. ft Itm. more it appears by a nother acquit- 
(( tance, bearing date the 24th daye of August, in the 
“ 7th yeare of the raigne of King James, was received 
“ for his Maties ayde, by the rolle of compossicon 
cr in the countie of Devon, of the feoffees of the 
“ towne of Barnestaple, the some of 20$.”— [Jonas 
Baker, 1634.] 

1628. 12 July. A rate agreed on for defraying 

“ cost of trained bands.” 

1631. “ 6 Deer. Plague at Bordeaux ; ordered that 

“ all ships coming from thence to this port land no 
“ goods for 14 days, penalty 8 days imprisonment.” 


1633. “ Agreed that 201. be raised toward charges 
ie of suppressing Turkish py rates.” 

“ Composition made for hanging out candles at 
every man’s door.” 

“ There was collected in this towne in the tyme of 
“ Mr. Ricd Ferris his maioraltie, by vertue of a com- 
“ mission from the Lordes of his Ma^cs Privie Coun- 
“ sell, for the repairing of Paul’s Church in London, 
the some of viiM. wc h was paid vnto Mr. James Welsh 
“ one of the Commissioners, 7 Id.” 

1634. “ Itm. more there was collected in the year 
‘ f 1634, by the like Comission from the Lordes, for 
“ the repairing of Paul’s Church, and in the maioralty 
“ of Mr. John Delbridge, the some of viij^- \s* 

tc which was delivered unto Mr. James Welsh, by 
“ Mr. Henry Mason, cunstable, as per acquittance 
" appeereth, 8^- 05*- 05^-” 

1646. “ April. The great plague.” “ The great 

ts sickness begun in May; 1500 dyed; Mr. John 
“ Downe, then Mayor.” 

These brief notices, with the information that the writer of the 
first and his “ family went to remayn at Rookebear in July/" and 
“ rctornd into his own habitation, at Barnestaple, in December, 

“ and that the Mayor was elected in the open air without the town,” 
(see page 295,) is the sum total of all that I find recorded respecting 
the effects of this awful visitation in Barnstaple; the Parochial 
Register, as I have already observed, is quite silent on tho subject. 
There is, however, an interesting account given of the effects of the 
distemper in four brothers, who lived at a very short distance from 
the town, and which was perpetuated to a period within my own 
recollection, by a monumental inscription:— 

“ To the memory of our foure sweete Sonnes, John, Josh, Thos, 
[[ & Richd, who were inunaturely taken from us altogether by 


“ Divine Providence, are here interred, the seventeenth clay #f 
" Augvst, 1646. 

“ Good and greate God, to thee we do resigne 
“ Our fourc deare sonnes, for they were chiefly thine. 

“ And, Lord, we were not worthy of the name 
“ To be the sonnes of faithful Abrahame, 

“ Had we not learnt for thy just pleasure’s sake, 

“ To yield our all as he his Isaacke. 

“ Reader, perhaps thou knewest this field, but ah t 
“ Tis now become another Machphelahc. 

“ What, then this honour it doth crave the more, 
u Never such seeds were sowne therein before ! 

“ Which shall revive, and Christ his angels warne, 

“ To bear with triumph to his heavenly Barne. 

in hac spe acquiescunt parentes mutissimi, Joseph & Agne Ley.” 

Tradition says that the four brothers were fishing on the Banks of 
the Taw, from whence they drew some rugs which had floated up 
the river, and thus became infected with the plague, the pestilence 
having been brought to Bideford from the Levant, and thence 
spread over the neighbourhood. 

Seven elm trees mark the hallowed spot of the sepulture of the 
brethren, (hallowed it should have been, but the materials were 
removed during the life time of the late proprietor of the estate on 
which it stands, and, it is said, used in forming a drain !) There 
is little doubt but that the trees were planted by the parents of the 
children about the time of their interment; they are but a short 
distance from the upper Bank, which, by the way, goes by the 
name of “ The Seven Brethren Bank.” 

“ Dyed at Pilton, of the plague, 269.” 

1647 , “ - Harris took the vane from the 

‘ c Chappie at Litchdon Almshouse, & placd it on the 
“ Keyhal.” 

1650. “ 10th Oct. Great fear of the plague; the 

“ 3 houses at the Fort to be fitted up as a pest house. 
1654. " 5th Jan. A sum of money raised to free 


K) 3 


inhabitants from charge of keeping Col. Games 
€< company of horse at free quarters.” 

1658. “ Thomas Davy, a tallow chandler, made 

“ Towne Clerke.” 

1676. “ In December the freest was so great that 
ir the ouldest man then living did never knowe the 
tf like, for it was so hard frozen that many were faine 
“ for to rost there meate for to eat it, because the 
“ could not gitt watter for to boyle the pot.—John 
“ Sloly, Clarke of llarnestaple.” 

1677. “ February. Mrs, Richord Roshit, widdow, 
“ was buried the 19 th day ; and she gave me 20th 

shillings upon her will for a legasay, and I have 

receavd it. And I would w ish that all good Christ- 
“ ians that are to be buried in Barnestaple, that the 
4f would doe the same to mee as this woman did, if 
“ the be abell.—John Sloly, Clarke of the Parish.” 

1706. September. Eight persons, five males and 
three females, recorded in the register of burials to 
have been drowned. 

1727. From this year (the first in which I find 
any mention made of transports) to 1757, 19 persons 
ere transported, viz. in 1727, 1 —1728, 1.—1730, 
.-—1738, 2 (1 for 14 years).—1740, 3.—1748, 1.— 
1750, 3.—1751, 1.—1752, 1.—1754, 1 —1757, 4. 
This last year there were 15 indictments. 

1746. fC April. A mob of persons assembled to- 
“ gether & broke open three granaries, viz. at the 

North Gate, Mrs. Parminter^s house on the Strand, 
“ & the New Works, & took therefrom great quanti- 
“ ties of corn. The principal persons concerned in 


“ this riot were Mrs. Andrews, a breeches maker, 
rt (stiled Captain, who headed the mob and beat up a 
frying pan with a poker round the town,) David 
“ Toms, (stiled her Lieut.) W«i. Bale, Wells Mether- 
“ ell.” (See page 534.) 

1757. June 7. Swarm of bees on Queen Ann’s 
<e statute, shook into a hive for the use of the Mayor.” 

1768. “ In the centre of Joy Street, Barnstaple, 

" grew a large elm tree, which was felled on the 7th 
Cf day of June, by order of the Mayor, Richard Thorne, 
" Esq.” 

The corn market is said to have been formerly held here, the 
bags being pitched under the tree. 

Walks .—1795, 14th June. Henry Gardiner Tip¬ 
pets, of Barnstaple, Surgeon, by will of this date, gave 
“ to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, of 
“ the Borough and Parish of Barnstaple, and their 
successors, yearly, so long as the Mayor, Aldermen, 
“ and Capital Burgesses, shall permit the Walk, 
ic known by the name of the North Walk, or North 
“ Parade, within the said Borough, to be used as a 
“ public walk and no longer, the sum of three pounds, 
“ to be applied towards the finishing and keeping in 
“ repair the said Walk.” The amount is left as a 
rent-charge on Bole Ground , in this parish, now the 
property of the Rev. Henry Nicholls. 

1795. “ Thursday Oct. 29. Tide flowed over 

“ Tawstock Bank, Cooney Causeway, Square Wall, 
“ & in the kitchen of the Golden Lion, and there rose 
“ so high as to put out the fire.” 

1799. “ Feby. 10. In the evening sailed from 


634 




this port the Weazle, sloop of war, Hon. Captn. Grey ; 
she had been for a considerable time stationed at 
Appledore. After her getting over the bar, a tempest 
gathered rapidly, and the devoted ship perished that 
night, and with her a crew of 105 persons, and a woman. 
One of the ship’s company had been providentially for 
him left on shore when she sailed. “ The event left an 
€t impression beyond the ordinary tone of remem- 

brance in cases of shipwreck.” 

“ The tale is briefly told:—the gallaut bark 
“ Embayed, and by the tempest overtaken, 

“ When midnight heavens were glooming pitchy dark 
“ And wave and shore by the loud storm were shaken, 

“ Drove upon Baggy's rocky leap —and hark 1 
“ The seaman’s cry, that never more shall waken 
“ Echo for mirth or wuo —-down down she goes, 

“ And for her fate a long lament arose.” 

Log cf the sea-Minstrel, 

1800. “ In May and June, wheat sold for 1/. 3s. 

“ and 1/. 4s. per bushel, by John Budd, Esquire, of 
“ Willsley, in Landkey ; barley at 14s., by Mr. W. 
“ Chappell, of Penhill ; beef, 10c/.; mutton, from 7 hd. 
“ to 8c/. per pound; potatoes, at Is. 6c/. the peck. 
“ In August, oats at 5s. 3d. per bushel ; butter, Is. 
“ per pound.” 

1810-11. “ A new road made thro’ the Long 

u Closes, and the Vicarage road stopped up.” 

1814. “ Peace proclaimed, 30th June. On the 

“ thanksgiving day, an illumination. A public dinner 
ft for tradesmen, in Boutport Street, and for the poor 
Cf on the Square. One Nicholas Purchase went to the 
“ top of the church steeple in a state of intoxication, 


635 


« 


ic threw off his waistcoat which was picked up in 
<r High Street, and came down unhurt ” 

Markets.— -Meat market opened at Christmas, 1814, 
instead of 1812. The foundation laid 29th September, 
1813. 

1815. Bell’s School opened at Midsummer. Now 
(1831) contains 55 boys, 52 girls. Supported by 
voluntary contribution. 

1817. “ At the Devon Easter Sessions, an indict- 

" ment preferred against the parish of Barnstaple, by 
“ Mr. S. Bremridge, woolstapler, for not repairing cer- 
“ tain parts of Barbican and Sowden Lanes,” was tried, 
and a verdict found for defendants, thereby fixing the 
liability of the repairs on the occupiers of the adjoining 
lands. This indictment cost the parish upwards of 100L 

The then openiug talent of the late Master of the Rolls, Baron 
■Gifford, was displayed on this trial, he having been retained for 
the defendants. He received four guineas with his brief. A few 
years afterwards ho was a peer of England, aud a presiding judge 
of the highest tribunal in the realm. 

Free Burgesses. —1824. Sept. 24. F. Hodgson, 
Esq. presented to the freemen three elegant Wedge- 
wood china jugs, one containing three, and the others 
two gallons. On each side of the jugs appears the 
town arms, with the inscription “ Sigillum ad arma pro 
<f maiore et corporacione ville Barum,” and in front, 
“ From Frederick Hodgson, M. P. to his brother 
“ freemen, as a small token of grateful regard.” 

1825. Tuesday, July 19. Hottest day ever remem¬ 
bered here; thermometer at 99. Several large fish, 
supposed grampusses, came up with the evening tide, 
as far as the bridge. They were seen in the river 
4 k 




* 


636 

below Pen hill on the following morning, in considera¬ 
ble numbers ploughing their rapid way towards the 
channel. 

1827. April 30. “ Ordered that the general sessions 
“ for this borough and parish, be held four times in 
“ the year.” 

I was in error in stating, at page 582, that this measure was 
decided on in October, 1826. 

Sunday, July 22. Her present most gracious Ma¬ 
jesty Queen Adelaide, then Duchess of Clarence, 
and suite, arrived at Barnstaple, at 6 p.m. on her way 
to Ilfracombe, to embark for Milford Haven. 

Same evening came in from Bristol, the Lady Rod¬ 
ney Steam Packet, the first steam vessel that ever came 
over the bar. Sailed on the following morning for 
Lundy Island, with a party. 

Sept. 23. First mail coach arrived in Barnstaple ; 
letter-bags first brought by mail Sept. 24. 

1829. January 12. Appledore passage boat upset 
in a squall off Strand Houses, all who were in her, the 
owner. Oatway, his son, and three other persons 
drowned. A similar accident is not known ever to 
have occurred. 

Representative History. —1830. August. Stephen 
Lyne Stephens, and George Tudor, Esquires, elected 
Members of Parliament for Barnstaple; there was 
another candidate, Sir Colin Campbell. The numbers 
at the close of the poll were, Stephens, 370; Tudor, 
332; Campbell, 246. Many voters did not come 
forward ; the number polled was 522. 

This el«ction was a remarkable—nay, an extraordinary—one, in 
many respects. To notice one or two particulars ;—the “ Third 


** ^ AN ” was procured, brought forward, and supported by the 
Body Corporate l! A military band paraded the streets of the 
Mown during the poll, with a card in their bats on which was 
printed Campbell, the Third Man,” and playing “ the Campbells 
** are coming.” In the ardour of opposition a considerable sum of 
money was expended on account of the third man, before it was 
ascertained who was to stand in the gap, and certain individuals 
of a certain body are said to “ have paid too dear for their whistles,” 
by a thousaud pounds or so. 

Charities. —1830. John Roberts, Esq. who died 
in November this 3 ear, left by will, invested in trus¬ 
tees, 500/. four per cent, annuities, upon trust, to 
distribute the dividends thereof among the inhabitants 
of the various almshouses in this town ; and 60/. to 
the Blue Coat Charity School. 

I have been charged by Philip Bremridgo, Esq, with “ a false, 
t( scandalous, and atrocious libel, ” alleged to be contained in (he 
first part of this work, (see page 17°)* To avoid a prosecution, I 
was called upon to make “ a suitable” (which on enquiry I found 
meant a public) apology ; strong in my own integrity, 1 disdained 
any such compromise, but made the following proposal through Mr. 
Brcmridgc’s professional agent, which I place on record here, lest 
the charge should be revived when I am, as I expect shortly to be, 
locally, ( as 1 certainly feel I now am legally ,) beyond the reach of 
British jurisdiction. “ Barnstaple, May 8, 1830. If it can be 
«* shewn that I have in the first part of the Memorials of Barnsta- 
“ pie, inadvertently made an incorrect statement respecting the 
“ charity termed Appley’s gift, I shall most willingly correct such 
“ error in the second part of the work, which is shortly to 
“ appear .” Ten months have now elapsed, but no means have 
been afforded me of fulfilling this pledge! The correspondence 
that took place on this subject, elicited from Mr. Bremridgo the 
acknowledgement that the corporation had “ no right whatever 
“ to grant a lease at all!!”— The date 1663 at p. 1/1, should 
have been 1G33. 


Municipal Body .—Two members of the Common 
Council, John Roberts, and Charles Besly Gribble, 
Esquires, have, since the list of Corporators was print¬ 
ed, paid the debt of nature. Their successors are not 
yet appointed. 

Up to this time (March 17th, 1831) nothing' more 
has transpired relative to the point at issue betwixt the 
capital and common burgesses, alluded to at page 321. 


# 


• * 

639 


CONCLUDING ADDRESS. 


The wisest of men said in his day, that there was 
“ no new thing under the sun •” but it is, perhaps, 
something new for an individual to complete a history 
of his native town, in the full prospect of quitting it and 
his country for ever ; yet such is my case. Ere another 
month has elapsed, I shall have bidden farewell to 
England, and the winds, if providence permit, will be 
wafting me across the wide Atlantic. I go, however, 
with the proud consciousness that I have not compro¬ 
mised my character, either by leaving my task unfi¬ 
nished, as some few of my subscribers allowed 
themselves* after the publication of the first part of the 
volume to believe would be the case, or by failing to 
redeem the pledge given in the prefatory address, fear¬ 
lessly to pursue the historian’s only legitimate course 
—the highway of impartiality. 

Some apology is due to my subscribers for a delay 
of some months beyond the time stipulated for the 
completion of the work ; the great additional quantity 
of letter-press in the second part will be taken as some 
excuse, and for the rest it belongs rather to the printer 
than to the author to cry peccavi; I will, however, 
be content to bear a portion of the blame, and crave 
pardon for both. 



t 


640 

1 have now first ventured to assume for my humble 
work the title of a history, which, looking at the extent 
to which it has reached and the topics it embraces, I 
may perhaps do, without subjecting myself to the 
charge of egotism ; not however that I am satisfied 
with what I have done, far, very far from it; on the 
contrary, I see in it numberless imperfections; they 
however are of less importance than inaccuracies,which 
last 1 hope, and venture to believe, are comparatively 
few. That I should have escaped them altogether is 
hardly to be expected, notwithstanding the pains I 
have taken to avoid them ; but this much l can say, 
my anxiety after correct information has been unceas¬ 
ing, and my exertions to obtain it unwearied. 

I feel very reluctant to close this address without 
naming the individuals to whose kindness I have 
become indebted during the progress of the work ; but 
so multifarious have been my enquiries, and so numer¬ 
ous the persons who have either rendered me assist¬ 
ance or assayed to do it with courtesy and good will, 
that from a conviction of the almost impossibility of 
my calling to mind all who have rendered me service 
in this way, I must content mjself with tendering to 
each and every one, to whom I am thus a debtor, my 
best thanks. One service of a particular kind must 
not pass without a special acknowledgement, namely 
the gratuitous presentation of a draught of the plan of 
the town, by Mr. Robert Mortimer. 1 now bid 
subscribers, friends, and contributors, a respectful 
farewell ! 


Barurn , March 18 th, 1831. 


ERRATA. 


Page 10, line 3, for " 1067," read “ 1066." 

Page 32, line 14, for “ Rev. John Boyce, Rector of Sherwill,” 
read “ Rev. Thcmas Boyce, Curate of Sherwill." 

Page 41, note t, for “ page 16," read “ page 20." 

Page 166, line 21, for “ these monies,” read “ some of these monies ” 
Page 192, line 6, for “Rector," read “ Curate” 

Page 420, note, for “ abbreviators," read “abbreviatures ” 

Page 488, note, for “ when Lichewake," read “ whence Lichewake." 
Page 552, line 16, for “combatted," read “combated” 




•• 





,.ul*)[ ■ , "Apit- f. .Mil .Ol'l 

■ 'i ■ . /it'- 

\v; ■'* -'k'tv '! . < ■ '"k\ .vofl ** 

l: ' • .It 

,®5t ,88t 

- 































Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: JAN 2001 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

111 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township. PA 16066 
(724) 779-2111 



r srn eituli 


1959 j 





































































